Definition
A spatio-temporal database is a database that embodies spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal database concepts and captures simultaneously spatial and temporal aspects of data. It deals with geometries changing over time.
Spatio-temporal query languages are the query languages used to query spatio-temporal databases. For example, “when did the fire called “The Big Fire” reach its largest extent?” is a typical spatio-temporal query.
Spatio-temporal query languages are usually implemented as extensions to the standard relational query language SQL.
Main Text
In conventional databases, attributes containing temporal or spatial information are solely manipulated by the application programs. A spatio-temporal database is one that supports aspects of both time and space. It offers spatial and temporal data types in its data model and query language.
Temporal data types include time instants and time periods which represent a continues period of time; spatial data types include...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Chen, C.X. (2017). Spatiotemporal Databases. In: Shekhar, S., Xiong, H., Zhou, X. (eds) Encyclopedia of GIS. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17885-1_1318
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17885-1_1318
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-17884-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-17885-1
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceReference Module Computer Science and Engineering