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Geographic databases are becoming a popular subject for research projects. It is acknowledged that database requirements for such applications as Geographic Information Systems (GISs), computer cartography, remote-sensing image databases, and emergency routing/dispatching are distinct from those for traditional database applications; however, the specific database needs due to the properties of geographic data are frequently overlooked. Here, we describe a specific problem domain, a vehicle navigation system, and analyze the properties of data to be modeled appropriately and managed efficiently by database management systems. Vehicle navigation systems need continuous, fast access to very large databases. Through the combination of real-time access and geographic data, we identify particularly challenging database requirements of this application with respect to data models, query languages, and query processing.
Max J. Egenhofer (Tue,) studied this question.