In this paper, we are interested in the problem of extracting spatial association rules in Geographic Information Systems
(GIS). We propose an algorithm that extends existing methods to deal with spatial and non-spatial data over multiple layers.
It handles hierarchical, multi-valued attributes, and produces general spatial association rules. We also present a prototype,
which has been applied on a real and large geographic database in the field of mineral exploration.
BRGM (‹Bureau des Recherches Géologiques et Minières›) is a French public institution, present in all regions of France and
in some 40 countries abroad. Based on the Earth Sciences, its expertise relates to mineral resources, pollution, risks, and
the management of geological environment (http://www.brgm.fr