中文摘要：

研究了层次理论在地理信息科学中的应用。从GIS空间表达的角度,较为系统地分析了空间目标位置、语义以及空间目标间关系的层次表达方法。给出了一个应用实例对层次方法加以分析验证。

英文摘要：

At present, hierarchical method has found its wide applications in many fields, such as biology, medical, physics, electronics, sociology, and geographical information sciences. Several applications of hierarchy theory in geographical information sciences were investigated from the view of spatial representation, including locations, semantics, and spatial relations between spatial objects. Specifically, the concepts, classifications, and characteristics of hierarchy were described in detail. Then hierarchical representation for spatial objects, i.e. hierarchical location, hierarchical semantics and hierarchical spatial relations, was analyzed. A practical application was given to illustrate the usability of hierarchy theory in GIS.