Interoperability

Interoperability is the ability to exchange and integrate meaningful information (Vckovski, 1998). GIS interoperability is the key concept for integrating various kinds of information stored in different and differing (Hadzilakos 2000) repositories. In practice however, interoperability is absent in spatial data integration due to incompatible software, inadequate data formats, semantic heterogeneity and data models.

Semantic interoperability goes beyond attempts to homogenize disparities through standards ( Harvey 1999) . A central question about semantic interoperability is how people and social groups with different perspectives identify and possibly resolve their semantic differences ( Harvey 1999) . The construction of information communities in heterogeneous institutional and disciplinary environments calls for frameworks to conceptualize and articulate these semantic differences ( Harvey 1999) . Semantic interoperability requires means to resolve complex differences that lurk behind apparently consensual terminology and procedures ( Harvey 1999) .