Spatial information search system

The present invention relates to techniques for integrally utilizing distributed information resources. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system which corresponds to a network for distributing spatial information, when the information resources are the spatial information including data related to positions, and to software for realization of the system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a scheme for distributing spatial information between information providers and information users.To achieve this object, the present invention creates a corresponding index for each spatial information. The index includes information related to a position included in spatial information, and data related to a storage location of the spatial information. This index also includes (1) a source ID for uniquely identifying spatial information; (2) coordinate translation values which are parameters used to correspond certain spatial information to other spatial information; and (3) when the spatial information including this index was created by referencing other spatial information, an underlay diagram specifying ID represented by the source ID possessed by the referenced spatial information, or the like.