Semantic modeling for the integration of geographic information and regional hydroecological simulation management

Semantic modeling has proven valuable in the experimental development of the Knowledge Based Land Information Manager and Simulator (KBLIMS) which integrates the management of geographic information and a hydroecological simulation system. Semantic models provide the abstractions such as aggregation, specialization, and generalization necessary for managing the structural and behavioral properties of Regional Hydro Ecological Simulation System (RHESSys), especially the spatial and temporal elements. It is shown how semantic modeling allows for explicit consideration of semantic heterogeneity as a result of domain evolution. The seamless integration is given expression by the visual spatial query system which provides the disciplinary scientist with the ability to deal directly with landscape elements such as hillslopes, stream valleys and watersheds rather than polygons or pixels. In the end this approach provides tools that are responsive and adaptive to the demands of disciplinary science.