Towards a conceptual data model for the analysis of spatio-temporal processes: The example of the search for optimal grazing strategies

Abstract

This paper addresses a number of conceptual and practical problems of integrating space and time within a GIS environment encountered in an ongoing study of the strategies adopted by a shepherd in managing a flock of sheep at different scales of space and time on an alpine pasture in the southern French Alps. The aim of the study, which is based on the analysis of the timetables used to exploit the vegetatative resource within a set of time-space constraints, is to understand the way that the shepherd partitions space into compartments and the way these are used at different times. The pertinent conceptual issues are reviewed, the problems of formalising this type of problem for analysis are discussed, and alternative ways of structuring the data for GIS application are proposed. By way of conclusion, a preliminary attempt is made to summarise critical issues emerging from the study in the handling of time in spatial analysis and comments are briefly made on directions for future spatio-temoral research into grazing strategies.