Temporal Reference Systems

Implementing the ISO19108-concept of different temporal reference systems, PostTIME provides three different types.

First, the calendar systems are capable, each in a connection with one clock system. This systems are the most complex. However, using a calendar system for all organisation and planning tasks, most people are quite used to these systems and their rules anyway. We are able to include various calendars in PostTIME, the only requirement are existing transformation algorithms to the julian day and vice versa. The most common example is the Gregorian calendar, which is the international standard.

Second, the simpler temporal coordinate systems can be utilized. These systems are one-dimensional-axis systems, fully defined by an origin and a unit. For that reason these systems allow fast calculations. An IT-related example of a temporal coordinate system is UNIX-time.

Third, an ordinal system could be used. Within an ordinal system is no distance defined, thus the positions are only descriped topologically.

Concerning the temporal coordinate systems and the ordinal systems, we will – sooner or later – provide the capability of user defined systems.

Please note the List of available reference systems.

next: Syntax (Textual representation of the various objects)