Concept Lattices as a Formal Method
for the Integration of Geospatial Ontologies
Margarita Kokla & Marinos Kavouras
National Technical University of Athens
9, H. Polytechniou Str., 157 80 Zografos Campus, Athens - Greece
Tel: 30+1+772-2637/2731, Fax: 30+1+772-2734
e-mail: mkokla, mkav@survey.ntua.gr
ABSTRACT
Effective communication and smooth interaction between different sources of geodata
requires a method for sharing and integrating different ontologies. Lattices of Spatial
Concepts constitute a new tool for information organization and semantic integration, in order
to provide reuse of data between heterogeneous geographic information systems.
The methodology is founded on Formal Concept Analysis, a theory of concept formation and
conceptual classification. The integration of multiple geospatial classifications, which exhibit
differences in spatial and thematic resolution, allows the creation of an ontology for the
geospatial domain. Spatial Concept Lattices can be used as a formal method to compare
geospatial classifications created for different levels of detail and from different contexts.
Lattices, in contrast to trees, support multiple inheritance and thus, are powerful structures for
the representation of multidimensional, overlapping geographic categories.
As far as original classifications are fully described, the method identifies similarities and
differences, and reveals interrelations between them. Therefore, it leads to the creation of a
single, integrated, unambiguous schema from different thematic classifications, which
includes all concepts and relationships identified by the original classifications. The resulting
geospatial ontology with its generalisation hierarchy represents information at different
resolution levels. The above concepts are illustrated using a clear, real-case example.
Key Words: geospatial ontologies, formal concept analysis, concept lattices, thematic
classification, integration, generalisation hierarchies.