Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is a rapidly evolving area of technology. To preserve investments made in creating existing databases, a method for automated GIS data conversion is needed. Tools for the conversion of spatial data exists, but the tools for non-spatial data conversion need further development. The overall objective of this project (Phases I and II) is the development of software to analyze, reconcile, and convert non-spatial GIS data from one scheme to another. The proposal is for the Phase I effort. The rule-base of a rule-based expert system will be developed and demonstrated. The effects of conversion between various GIS database structural architectures, and between various logical and physical formats will be analyzed. An appropriate rule set that addresses issues such as the applicability of traditional software techniques, data precision, error correction, and the reporting of data conversion quality will be created. The rule set will be demonstrated through a simplified conversion on paper. The effort will progress in three parts: information gathering, analysis, and a demonstration, which will be incorporated into the final report. Upon completion of the Phase I effort, a conceptual design of the complete system will be available.
