C-squares, which stands for the Concise Spatial Query and Representation System, is a freely available, easily implemented method for storage, querying and display of spatial data locations.
C-squares allows a unique, text-based identifier to be generated for any 10 x 10, 5 x 5, 1 x 1, 0.5 x 0.5, 0.1 x 0.1 degree resolution cell (and so on, as fine as needed) on the surface of the Globe, such that the location of a feature can be represented by a list of the identifier(s) for the cell(s) in which it is located. These c-squares codes can be stored in any information retrieval system, and queried as needed by simple text search methods to perform spatial queries without the requirement for a GIS (Geographic Information System). In addition, an associated, freely accessible remote utility, the c-squares mapper can be invoked to display the location of any information represented as strings or sets of c-squares codes by a simple web call, or a copy of the mapper can be downloaded from this site for local installation or further customization as required.
Current, operational c-squares enabled systems include MarLIN, CAAB, and the CSIRO AVHRR Satellite Data Archive in Australia, OBIS and CephBase in the USA, AquaMaps in Germany and FishBase in the Philippines.
The main site for dissemination of c-squares related information is located at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research in Australia, and includes general background information, the c-squares FAQ, a "c-squares-discuss" mailing list, working examples of c-squares code, access to current online c-squares enabled applications, and more. This SourceForge c-squares site has been set up to provide a distribution mechanism for the source code to various c-squares tools including c-squares encoders and decoders (latitude-longitude to c-squares and vice versa), validation tools, and the CMAR c-squares mapper, all of which are available for download and incorporation into end user applications as desired under the Gnu Public License (GPL). Accompanying documentation - the C-squares Manual - is currently in preparation. If you would like to receive a copy of the current draft for information or comment, please email Tony.Rees@csiro.au.
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