Representation and Retrieval of Uncertain Temporal Information in Museum Databases
Proceedings of the 21st European - Japanese Conference on Information Modelling and Knowledge Bases (EJC2011), vol. 1, page 97-116. Tallinn University of Technology, (2011)Abstract
An implementation-oriented model to represent uncertain temporal information
in databases is proposed. Temporal information is presented to the user
as anchored time intervals with optional beginning and end dates. The model accounts
for both instants and intervals, and can be applied to uncertain dates by
leaving days and months optional, or by using symbolic constraints that present
additional time granularities. The model is defined using conventional relational
database structures to support ease of deployment and integration to legacy systems
with efficient query capabilities. The model is based on experiences with an existing
museum database and highlights challenges related to temporal representation
of cultural-historical data in practice. The model is compared with temporal representations
used in other museum information systems and collections management
standards. Possible opportunities to extend the model in the future research include
defining a formal algebraic presentation or utilizing an explicit time ontology.
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