A fuzzy object-based data model for imperfect spatial information integrating exact objects and fields

In this contribution a fuzzy object-based data model for imperfect spatial information is proposed within the formal framework of fuzzy set theory and possibility theory. The proposal integrates the two opposite views of geographic entities seen as either exact objects or continuous fields in current Geographic Information Systems. By assuming a Fuzzy Object-Oriented Data modelling approach new data types for representing geographic entities characterized by either unsharp boundaries or indeterminate boundaries and relationships axe defined. Linguistic qualifiers are adopted both to express the extent by which an element of the spatial domain satisfies a gradual property, and to identify regions with indeterminate boundaries.