Retrieval of Heterogeneous Geographical Information Using Concept Brokering and Upper Level Ontology

Abstract

Different concept and attribute definitions for geographical features underlying information systems make it difficult to share geographical information. This paper provides concept brokering methods based on upper level ontology for retrieval of heterogeneous geographical information. The methods include design of upper level ontology using Concept Lattices. The user ontology is associated with domain ontology through upper level ontology by concept brokering rules. An example for the upper level ontology of transportation is given to illustrate the concept brokering methods. © Springer-Verlag 2004.