This paper describes the Spatial Entity Classification Standard (SpECS), which has been proposed as a standard for classifying digital geographical data in South Africa, for use in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The paper begins with a detailed outline of the need for such classification standards and describes the different types of classification schemes that are used: linear list, fixed-level hierarchy, variable-level hierarchy and partially-ordered set. It also describes how nonspatial attributes are managed and how such schemes are encoded. After describing briefly a few other classification standards, the paper describes SpECS in detail, as well as the SpECS software tool, which can be used for creating and maintaining any classification scheme. A complete listing of the current version of SpECS is provided in an appendix.
Reference:
Cooper, A.K. & Zietsman, H. 1999. Spatial Entity Classification Standard (SpECS): A Proposed Standard for South Africa. South African Journal of Surveying and Geo-Information, 1(3). http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11797
Cooper, A. K., & Zietsman, H. (1999). Spatial Entity Classification Standard (SpECS): A Proposed Standard for South Africa. South African Journal of Surveying and Geo-Information, 1(3), http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11797
Cooper, Antony K, and HL Zietsman "Spatial Entity Classification Standard (SpECS): A Proposed Standard for South Africa." South African Journal of Surveying and Geo-Information, 1(3) (1999) http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11797
Cooper AK, Zietsman H. Spatial Entity Classification Standard (SpECS): A Proposed Standard for South Africa. South African Journal of Surveying and Geo-Information, 1(3). 1999; http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11797.