Object-oriented modeling of data sources as a tool for the integration of heterogeneous geoscientific information

Investigation of geosystems and processes at large temporal and spatial sca les, such as the development of landforms and ecosystems, requires integrat ed access to heterogeneous and distributed sources of geoscientific data. T he object-oriented, paleoecological information system OPALIS aims to suppo rt interoperability of various data sources. While retaining the advantages of local data maintenance and formats, it will provide uniform access to i nformation by means of integrated queries. In this paper, we present the de rivation of geoscientific knowledge from distributed databases to enable a precise representation of data and semantics in object-oriented data models to support the integration process. Furthermore, the query types that will be supported and the integration process are characterized. As an example an interdisciplinary research project on landslides is presented. The diver se structure of data methods and tools used in this specific project compli cates exchange of scientific data and research results. An object-oriented approach is compared with classic concepts of data representation. The resu lts show that object-oriented data modeling can facilitate user access to m ultiple data sets, support integrated use of different analysis technologie s and could aid in the development of standards for exchanging data in mult idisciplinary environments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.