Web Geographic Information Retrieval: Literature Review and Conceptual Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model as a tool for Geographic Information Retrieval (GIR). Furthermore, the paper seeks to Identify and introduce current approaches on GIR, as well as, provides a lens to study GIR field.
Design/methodology/approach – Through a library-based study and a systematic literature review the conceptual model drawn from GIR literature.
Findings – Approaches on GIR could be divided into three categories, included, pattern-based models, ontology-based models, and machine learning models. The most of the GIR methods need for a gazetteer database or a geographic knowledge base to work properly. Although, interface and result ranking are crucial parts a GIR system that should be considered at the design step.
Originality/value – This paper is one of the first studies to seek a general review on GIR. Furthermore, the provided conceptual model is another value of this paper. As well as, the typology introduced by the paper assists researchers by providing a tool for systematic analysis of GIR.
Practical implications – Using the provided conceptual model, a GIR system – such as a search engine – could be designed.