Geographical Information Systems are becoming increasingly important to geologists, geographers, and urban and environmental planners, amongst others. Although there is an increasing number of such systems available on the market, many questions of a theoretical nature need to be addressed, because of the inherently large amounts of data and the lack of appropriate models and languages. Also, there is a need for flexible and efficient usage of GIS, thus permitting their application in a broad range of new areas, such as navigation systems for transport and the automotive industry. ESPRIT Working Groups provide a structure that enables researchers to meet, interact and share research results, thus providing a platform for ad dressing fertile research areas with significant industrial promise. This par ticular volume is the result of a workshop organised by the "Basic GOODS" Working Group. The challenge has been to define richer and more powerful data definition and manipulation languages, and also to develop new and efficient algorithms. The challenge has been met, as presented in this volume, and the Working Group has succeeded in laying a good foundation for future research and eventual applications. We look forward to seeing the results of the recently launched "AMUSING" project, which will build on this foundation."

By presenting state-of-the-art aspects of theoretical computer science and practical applications in various fields, this book commemorates the 60th birthday of Thomas Ottmann. The 26 research papers presented span the whole range of Thomas Ottmann's scientific career, from formal languages to algorithms and data structures, from topics in practical computer science like software engineering or database systems to applications of Web technology, groupware, and e-learning.

This volume contains the invited lectures and selected papers from the Third International Conference on Computer Assisted Learning. The contributions cover a wide range of theoretical and practical topics, including knowledge acquisition, intelligent computer assisted instruction, microworlds, media-based CAL, hypermedia environments and instruction, student modeling, evaluation of learning environments, simulation tools, application systems for logic, discourse, visual programming, physiology, structural frames, real time measurement, automotive maintenance, flight training, and implementation of CAL in distance education in various countries. For those active or interested in computer assisted learning, particularly at the post-secondary level, these proceedings provide an up-to-date and international review of important accomplishments in the area.