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A framework to model and manipulate constraints for over-constrained geographic applications

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Abstract

Geographic applications are often over-constrained because of the stakeholders’ multiple requirements and the various spatial, alphanumeric and temporal constraints to be satisfied. In most cases, solving over-constrained problems is based on the relaxation of some constraints according to values of preferences. This article proposes the modelling and the management of constraints in order to provide a framework to integrate stakeholders in the expression and the relaxation of their constraints. Three families of constraints are defined: static vs. dynamic, intra-entity vs. inter-entities and intra-instance vs. inter-instances. Constraints are modelled from two points of view: system with the complexity in time of the different involved operators and user with stakeholders’ preferences. The methodology of constraints relaxation is based on primitive, complex and derived operations. These operations allow a modification of the constraints in order to provide a relevant solution to a simulation. The developed system was applied to reduce the streaming/floods risks in the territory of Pays de Caux (Seine Maritime, France).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Miracl Laboratory, ISIMS: Higher Institute of Computer Science and Multimedia of Sfax, Pole Technologique Sakiet Ezzit, 3021, Sfax, Tunisia

    Wassim Jaziri

  2. LITIS Laboratory, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rouen, Avenue de l’Université, BP 08, F76801, Saint Etienne du Rouvray Cedex, France

    Michel Mainguenaud

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  1. Wassim Jaziri
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  2. Michel Mainguenaud
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Correspondence to Wassim Jaziri.

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Jaziri, W., Mainguenaud, M. A framework to model and manipulate constraints for over-constrained geographic applications. Geoinformatica 17, 257–284 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10707-012-0151-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10707-012-0151-1

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