A qualitative formalization of built environments

Abstract

In this paper I argue that a qualitative formalization of built environments needs to take into account: (1) the ontological distinction between bona- fide and fiat boundaries and objects, (2) the different character of constraints on relations involving these different kinds of boundaries and objects, (3) the distinction between partition forming and non-partition forming objects, and (4) the fundamental organizational structure of regional partitions. I discuss the notion of boundary sensitive rough location and show that a formalization based on this notion takes all these points into account.