A framework for the integration of geographical information systems and modelbase management

Existing geoprocessing technologies lack the modelbase management capabilities needed to construct dynamic simulation models of geographical systems. A geoprocessing framework is presented here that incorporates the fundamental precepts of GIS, computer simulation, modelbase management, and SDSS into an integrated environment that supports the development and use of geographical models. To support this framework the field and object-based geographical data models are extended to include spatial processes and spatial relations. A prototype system was developed to test the utility of this framework and data model.