Author(s)

B.N. Rossiter & M. Heather

Abstract

Software to manage the environment not only needs the usual structural re- quirements of the standard database systems but also very high-level global consistency. Database management systems to implement any schema based on the familiar network, hierarchical or relational models have rather too many limitations for complex heterogeneous data involving environmental biodiversity. Newer categorical models offer more promise because they are constructive, integrative and based on naturalness and universals. The con- structions in category theory are very similar to those of the new theoretical models based on natural systems, enabling limits and chaos to be modelled. Work is continuing at Newcastle on developing a generalized categorical model which can be adapted t

Keywords