Compiling and analyzing a multi-source database in a GIS using a data lineage recording and an image-based query system

Two tools were developed for this research to assist in compiling and analyzing a multi-source GIS database. These tools are: (1) a data lineage recording system—that is, a system that documents the source materials and transformations used to create the data layers in a GIS database; and (2) an image based query system-that is, a system that allows for the querying of geographic features that occur at specific (x,y) locations in the image, regardless of whether or not the features are displayed in the GIS graphics window.; To test these systems, geographic data was acquired for a pilot area in a potato-producing region in south western New Brunswick including remote sensing images, digital maps, a digital terrain model and textual data sources. The data lineage recording system was used to document the data lineage associated with compiling the database. The image based query system was used to refine a slope information source so that it more accurately represented the terrain of the study area. To further evaluate the feasibility of using the data lineage recording system, the system was evaluated according to its suitability for use in a production environment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...