A Methodology for Updating Geographic Databases using Map Versions

This paper addresses issues concerning the exchange and integration of geographic data between producers and users. Once a producer has delivered a geographic database to a user, who then uses it as a reference for specific applications, the database may be updated on both sides. Consequently, the integration of future updates- delivered by the producer-in the user’s geographic database is a complex operation due to possible conflicts between updates performed by both parties. The resulting database may become inconsistent and the user’s added information may be lost. Users therefore need mechanisms to help them in the process of update integration. This paper provides a methodological framework for the updating of geographic databases. It relies on a multi-version GIS, allowing an automatic detection of conflicting updates between two map versions