Indices and Data Structures in Information Systems

One of the key issues in information systems is to provide a fast and reliable access to data. This is true for conventional databases and information systems as well as for spatial or mul- timedia ones. Main tools for such aim are indices, among others. Search and reasoning operations using indices and structured data require a specific support on logical and physical level. A years of research have resulted in a great variety of multidimensional data structures and indices (access methods also). This paper overviews recent trends in the area of multidimensional, spatial, tempo- ral indices and data structures, discusses their principles and implementation issues. The special emphasis is given to research, multimedia and spatial information systems.