Spatial Information Retrieval from Images Using Ontologies and Semantic Maps

Cameras provide integrated GPS technology which makes them a powerful sensor for geographical context related images. They allow wireless connection to computers and the images can be automatically transferred to a PC or can be integrated into a GIS system. In this paper we propose an approach for spatial information retrieval from images using the concept of ontologies and semantic maps. The term of ontology is used in our case to describe spatial domain knowledge to enhance the search capability and image annotation. The objects are represented by their location in semantic maps. We describe a developed prototype system with a database design for ontologies and semantic maps. We demonstrate the automatic image annotation and the visualization of the spatial queries. The system is oriented to the area of culture and tourism and provides a user friendly interface.