Grounding Geographic Information in Perceptual Operations
pdf (successfully defended in December 2011)
Abstract:
In this thesis, I propose a method of constructing semantic reference
systems for geographic information based on reproducible observations.
Similar to spatial reference systems, semantic reference systems
consist of formal theories (reference theories) with conventionally established
interpretations into perceptual and constructive operations (such as
pointing to a physical monument, and describing locations relative to
it). They can be used to annotate data and describe and compare their
semantics.
The thesis addresses the grounding part of reference systems. I argue
that persisting problems of information ontologies, namely the
grounding problem and the problem of reference, could be solved using
certain principles of construction and ontological primitives that denote
perceptual operations. These operations focus joint human attention
on pre-conceptual cognitive mechanisms, i.e. Gestalts, in their
perceived space around the body. They also allow an observer to relate
foci of attention in memory based on the Gestalt. The memorized
relations are expressed by observation predicates, to be established by
convention as part of an observation language. I propose a kind of
practical constructivism guided by a formal language. The idea is
to describe data categories in terms of such observation predicates, i.e.
bottom-up, in order to reconstruct the underlying observation process,
instead of presuming abstract concepts.
For example, bodies, surfaces, and different kinds of media in the
human environment are grounded in terms of perceived affordances.
Object properties such as waterdepth are grounded in experiential geometry,
visual surfaces and media of diving. I propose a corresponding
reference theory and put it to a practical test in this thesis: I define
an essential road network category, namely a junction, and test the
definition in Open Street Map.