Development of a geomorphological spatial model using object-oriented design

This paper argues that spatial modelling within the environmental sciences is not best achieved through the low level integration of environmental models and GIS (Geographical Information Systems), but by the creation of new integrated object-oriented modelling environments. In the light of this assertion the philosophical background to representation and spatio-temporal referencing are considered in order to outline the context for the design of OOgeomorph—an object-oriented spatial modelling system for geomorphology. The paper concludes with an example of the use of OOgeomorph to represent and test a coastal geomorphological theory.