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 scales, such as the development of landforms and ecosystems, requires integrated access to heterogeneous and distributed sources of geoscientific data. The object-oriented, paleoecological information system OPALIS aims to support interoperability of various data sources. While retaining the advantages of local data maintenance and formats, it will provide uniform access to information by means of integrated queries. In this paper, we present the derivation 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 diverse structure of data methods and tools used in this specific project complicates exchange of scientific data and research results. An object-oriented approach is compared with classic concepts of data representation. The results show that object-oriented data modeling can facilitate user access to multiple data sets, support integrated use of different analysis technologies and could aid in the development of standards for exchanging data in multidisciplinary environments.