Managing uncertainty in spatial databases: putting theory into practice

Users of spatial databases face three fundamental questions when dealing with the error or uncertainty in their products, viz., "What error is present?' (definition), "How can it be visualized?' (communication) and "How can the results be used in practice?' (management). While researchers have spent considerable effort examining the first two questions, the results of their labor will not be recognized until users start applying the techniques in practice. With tools for error visualization now becoming available, the research agenda must be widened to determine how and when these aids can best be applied. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the techniques available and present a strategy for managing uncertainty in spatial databases. -Authors