6.4.9 Object referencing modelling

From Geostandards

Object referencing addresses how information is spatially or temporally referenced to existing spatial objects, typically topographic objects, rather than directly via coordinates. This fosters the geographic consistency between different datasets. Example: a road centreline might reference base topographic objects maintained by a different organisation. In turn a third party might then reference their own application view, e.g., speed limits to the centreline network and so on. This then provides an unambiguous linkage to the same spatial object representing real world phenomena and also promotes reuse of information. As a result, object referencing significantly enables improvements in data integrity and reliability.

The Generic Conceptual Model recognises that object referencing to a common base geography supports the principles stated in the INSPIRE Directive best and therefore recommends to use structured object referencing by means of reference data where possible. However, at this time, the necessary prerequiste processes are typically not yet established in the European Member States. The following issues are understood to contribute to this:

• GIS tools provide better support for self-contained data sets and spatial objects,
• limited availability of reference objects via reliable network services,
• lack of reliable and stable identifiers,
• more complex life-cycle management, and
• performance concerns.

To some extent, this is similar to the changes from self-contained documents to a document web connected by hyperlinks.

More information can be found in Clause 13 and Annex D of the Generic Conceptual Model.

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Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community (INSPIRE)

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