An agent-based geographical information system

In this paper, a prototype geographical information system (GIS) using agen t-based technology is introduced. The system known as GXGIS uses agent-base d architecture for interactability and scalability. An interface agent is d eveloped to interactively assist the user with the query formation process. The agent has the capability of offering domain knowledge that is associat ed with a given query. The agent is also able to record a user's troublesho oting experience and show it to the same user or other users as hints. Furt hermore, an agent-based architecture with a two-tier mediator model in GIS is developed to satisfy the needs for interoperability among diverse applic ation domains and integration of heterogeneous data sources. As a result, b oth qualitative and quantitative data can be integrated into GIS. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.