Modeling Alternative Sequences of Events in Dynamic Geographic Domains
S. Hubbard, Kathleen Stewart Hornsby · Transactions in GIS · 2011
Abstract A model that emphasizes possible alternative sequences of events that occur over time is presented in this article. Representing alternative orbranching eventscaptures additional semantics unrealized by linear or non‐branching approaches. Two basic elements of branching,divergenceandconvergenceare discussed. From these elements, many complex branching models can be built capturing a perspective of events that will take place in the future or have occurred in the past. This produces likely sequences of events that a user may compare and analyze using spatial or temporal criteria. The branching events model is especially useful for spatiotemporal decision support systems, as decision‐makers are able to identify alternative locations and times of events and, depending on the context, also identify regions of multiple possible events. A branching events viewer application is presented illustrating a case study based on a tornado response.