wegdatabases

Wegdatabases are a class of database systems designed to store, index, and query path-oriented data, with an emphasis on traversing routes and optimizing paths through networks. The term appears in academic discussions and vendor literature as a specialized form of graph- and spatial databases. Wegdatabases integrate graph data structures with spatial and temporal attributes to support time-dependent routing and geographic reasoning.

Data model: The core model centers on nodes representing locations or events and edges representing connections such as roads or communication links. Edges typically carry attributes like distance, travel time, cost, and capacity, and can be directed. Temporal attributes enable time-dependent routing, while spatial indexing (for example, R-trees or geohashes) accelerates geographic queries.

Query capabilities: Wegdatabases support path-centric queries such as shortest path, k-shortest paths, and constrained or multi-criteria routing. They offer path-aware aggregations (for example, total distance or time along a route) and mechanisms to enforce constraints (driver hours, toll segments). Dynamic updates and streaming data may be integrated to reflect real-time conditions.

Architecture: Implementations are often built on distributed graph stores or hybrid graph-spatial storage, with edge-centric indexing and partitioning to improve route queries. They may provide ACID or BASE consistency, and employ in-memory caches for latency-sensitive routing.

Relation to other technologies: Wegdatabases sit at the intersection of graph databases, spatial databases, and spatio-temporal databases. They complement general-purpose relational databases and GIS systems by focusing on path discovery and route optimization.

Use cases: Logistics and transportation planning, network routing, urban planning, evacuation modeling, and supply-chain optimization.