The world of discourse in a GIS project refers to the way we interpret and organise the world of observation through the lens of the project’s specific goals, knowledge base, and organisational framework. While the world of observation is a common abstract reality perceived through our senses, the world of discourse is a more refined and structured view tailored to meet the needs of the project.
In essence, the world of discourse defines how we “see” the phenomena in the world of observation by applying a particular focus shaped by the project’s purpose, the expertise involved, and the constraints of the organisational environment. It determines which aspects of the observed world are relevant to the project and how they are categorised and understood.
The key tool for defining the world of discourse is the Ontology—a structured framework that categorizes and relates the entities and phenomena within the project. The ontology plays a crucial role in shaping the world of discourse by determining which data and relationships are crucial for achieving the project’s objectives. It is the ontology that enables the transformation of raw observational data into meaningful, project-specific information, a process that is both enlightening and essential for the success of a GIS project.
The world of discourse is also central to the Design Rationale of a GIS project. It guides the decision-making process, helping to determine whether existing datasets can be used or if new data collection efforts are necessary. By clearly defining the world of discourse, project stakeholders can ensure that the project’s data foundation aligns with its goals, leading to more effective and focused analysis.
In summary, the world of discourse is not only about what we observe but about how we interpret and organize that observation to serve the specific needs of a GIS project.