The impact of classification approaches on the detection of hierarchies in place descriptions

Abstract

The chapter investigates the identification of hierarchical structures in place descriptions. Different approaches to classify spatial granularity will be compared and applied to a corpus of human place descriptions. Results show how hierarchical structures as well as deviations depend on the respective classifications. They further indicate certain difficulties in developing a suitable classification of spatial references. Findings contribute to the understanding of human spatial language, and thus the development of flexible mechanisms for their interpretation and integration in location-based systems.