Modelling the real world: Conceptual modelling in spatiotemporal information system design

Throughout the relatively young history of research on spatiotemporal modelling, a substantial number of models have been presented. However, since a spatiotemporal model represents a closer approximation to the real world than is the case for traditional models, such models must be based on a thorough understanding of how objects 'behave' in reality. One way to acquire such knowledge is using conceptual modelling methodologies. In this paper, an overview of different modelling principles and a selection of conceptual modelling languages are presented together with examples related to a selection of spatiotemporal problems.