Spatial data interoperability among multi-clients based on shared database

This paper reviews the progress of the research on spatial data interoperability and several methods currently used to achieving spatial data interoperability, puts the emphasis on analyzing the advantages, as well as the handicaps and existing conditions of interoperability based on shared database and the discrepancy of data models specific to different GIS, which is a main obstacle to spatial data interoperability, and brings forward two methods for achieving spatial data interoperability based on shared spatial database: one is realizing spatial data interoperability among different clients by using the same set of data model in database, the other is interoperability among clients through objects translation in a shared database. The paper also makes a comparison between these two methods in feasibility and difficulty of carrying out. Based on the analysis, this paper makes an experiment with Oracle Spatial in a local network using the second method, the emphasis of the experiment is put on the interoperability of oriented point objects and text, or annotation objects, as the two types of objects have no standard data model in Oracle Spatial and data models brought forward by different GIS vendor used to describe these two types of objects are specific to their GIS software. Two GIS software, MapInfo and Geomedia, are used as client in the experiment. The experiment shows that this method to achieve spatial data interoperability is practical and could be used inside an organization by employees in different departments, who are familiar with different software in their work, to obtain data sharing and interoperability. This method can also lower data redundancy and improve work efficiency.