首先分析了时空数据模型的不同层次，指出了当前时空数据模型存在的主要问题，认为目前的时空数据模型缺少对地理现象的显式定义和基础关系描述，不能在语义层次上实现数据共享，传统的基于专题地理分层的空间数据表达思想，和单一图层内以矢量或栅格数据结构基本单元作为地理实体或现象基本建模单元的表达方式，对于复杂地理实体或现象的描述及地理过程分布存在严重不足，提出发展基于特征的时空数据模型是新一代地理信息系统的核心所在；讨论了基于特征的概念模型要素以相互关系，提出了基于特征的时空数据模型所面临的关键技术。

s With the analysis of hierarchies of temporal-spatial data models, it is argued that current temporal-spatial data models lack explicit definition for the geographical phenomena and description for the elementary relations and are unsuitable for data sharing on semantic levels. Traditional theme map layer based spatial data abstraction frameworks and the representation methods taking the elementary units of vector or raster data structures as the elementary units for modeling are deficient in describing complex geographical entities and phenomena and analyzing the geographical procedures. It is set forward that developing feature based temporal-spatial data models is the core for the new generation geographical information systems. The conceptual modeling elements and mutual relations between them are discussed and some key technical problems are identified in the development of feature based temporal- spatial data models.