Communicating uncertainty in spatial databases

Abstract

As applications of spatial databases become more sophisticated and diverse, an issue of growing concern is the inability to communicate to users the uncertainty of products derived from their systems. This is important not only because users should be able to compare the quality of database outputs against the quality requirements of their tasks (in order to determine product suitability), but also to protect the integrity of past, present, and future decisions that may be made through the use of such information. While there has already been considerable research undertaken to develop models of spatial data error and uncertainty, there is an additional requirement for the results of these models to be effectively conveyed to users. This paper reviews advances now being made in communicating the uncertainty of spatial databases which may soon assist users in overcoming this critical barrier.