ARE GIS DATA-STRUCTURES TOO SIMPLE-MINDED

The differences between conceptual models of the real world and the implementation of a geographical database for natural resource data in current Geographical Information Systems are examined. Data recognition, classification, and description must pass through six stages before encryptation on electronic media can occur. The constraints imposed by current GIS data models and database structures have severe implications for using data from GIS to drive physical models of environmental processes. Further serious thought is necessary in order to develop GIS that can successfully cope with both exact and inexact data types.