Course notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1  Background  						     4 
       1.1 What is knowledge representation?  		     5
       1.2 What is special about spatial?  		     6 
       1.3 Qualitative, Quantitative and Hybrid approaches   9 
       1.4 Field review  				    17 
2  Temporal reasoning and interval logic models and 
			applications  			    24 
       2.1 Interval algebras  				    25 
       2.2 Simple Projective algebras for multidimensional 
			space				    29 
       2.3 EXAMPLE 1: Image analysis (2D Orthogonal spaces) 31 
3  Aspects of spatial representations   			    34 
       3.1 Frame of reference (type, scope, alignment)      35 
       3.2 Points vs. extended objects  		    37 
       3.3 Points of view on spatial relations  	    38 
       3.4 Granularity  				    38 
       3.5 Vagueness  					    39 
4  Overview of extant approaches   			    40 
       4.1 Arrangement  				    41 
       4.2 Topology  					    42 
       4.3 Orientation  				    44 
       4.4 Size and Distance  				    45 
       4.5 Shape  					    53 
5  Reasoning with spatial representations   		    59 
       5.1 The role of domain structure  		    61 
       5.2 Transforming frames of reference  		    63 
       5.3 Composition of spatial relations  		    64 
	   5.3.1 Topological relations  		    65 
	   5.3.2 Orientation  				    66 
	   5.3.3 Distances  				    67 
       5.4 Constraint propagation and relaxation  	    68 
6  Applications    					    75 
       6.1 EXAMPLE 2: Geographical Information systems      77 
       6.2 EXAMPLE 3: Conceptual Design in 2D and 3D  	    81 
7  Conclusions   						    91 
       7.1 Emerging Trends and Technologies  		    91 
       7.2 Pointers to useful resources  		    92 
	   7.2.1 Spatial reasoning sites  		    93 
	   7.2.2 General AI sites  			    94 
8  Thematic Bibliography    				    94 
       8.1 General reference, overviews, bibliographies     94 
       8.2 Qualitative physics  			    94 
       8.3 Interval algebras  				    94 
       8.4 Representation modalities  			    94 
	   8.4.1 Depictorial representations  			 
	   8.4.2 Propositional representations  		 
	   8.4.3 Hybrid approaches  				 
	   8.4.4 Qualitative approaches  			 
       8.5 Cognitive maps and route finding  		    95 
	   8.5.1 Development of spatial cognition reviews  
	   8.5.2 Cognitive representation of spatial relations  
       8.6 Linguistically motivated research  		    95
       8.7 Relational algebras  			    96 
       8.8 Applications  				    96 
	   8.8.1 Document layout  
	   8.8.2 Geographic Information Systems 
 Bibliography Entries   				97-127

The course notes are quite voluminous, and we do not expect to be able to give in-depth attention to all topics, but focus in on areas of greater audience interest. If you would like to give some feedback to the presenters, e.g., your topical preferences for the actual presentation, please send an e-mail (preferably before the end of July 1995) to: