Smallworld GIS is a geographic information system that is based on a modern design, featuring an object-oriented data model and a high-level language (Magic) that supports polymorphism. Both aspects have been discussed in the past from a theoretical perspective in the GIS literature, but these investigations lack an assessment of the practical aspects of this technology. With the advent of Smallworld GIS it becomes feasible to study how advanced GIS design concepts are implemented, how they influence the ease of use of a system, and how they related to system maintenance.
Graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Spatial Information Science and Engineering and the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis are exposed to the concepts and notions of object orientation. Through this project they will receive complementary education in the use of an object-oriented GIS that can be tested in several electrical utility applications. The goal is to to develop applications and undertake research topics of interest to Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. using Smallworld GIS as an implementation and research platform.
Last updated on August 1, 1998.
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