An axiomatic approach to the spatial relations underlying left right and in front of behind

Abstract

This paper presents an axiomatic characterization of spatial orderings in the plane and of concepts underlying intrinsic and deictic uses of spatial terms such as in front of behind, left and right This characterization differs in several aspects from existing theories that either employ systems of coordinate axes or systems of regions to specify the meaning of such expressions. We argue that the relations given by in front of and behind can be modeled on the basis of linear orders and on the basis of axes, whereas the relations given by left and right can be modeled as planar and on the basis of regions.