SNAP and SPAN: Towards Dynamic Spatial Ontology

This paper presents the results from an experimental framework developed to extract topological and geometrical indicators for geographic concepts. The overall purpose is to demonstrate the usefulness of conceptual cognitive schemas for defining relationships and ontological distinctions between vague geographic concepts. In doing so, the problems in formal specifications arising due to semantic overlaps and ambiguity in geographic concepts, especially ones that have cognitive anchoring, is resolved. The results from the experiment described in this paper have significant implications for the way formal models of place can be developed that encapsulate representational configuration informed by commonsense knowledge.