Authors: Eric K. Jones, Aaron Roydhouse
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We show how a relational database can be used to store a large volume of complex, structured spatial information so as to support efficient retrieval by partial matching to a user's queries. A novel representation of spatial relationships is employed that facilitates efficient processing of conjunctive queries.Our approach is implemented in MetVUW Workbench, a system for intelligent retrieval and display of historical meteorological data. The system is intended to serve as a "memory amplifier" for meteorologists that allows them to rapidly locate and analyse past cases of interest.