A Conceptual Model for Tables

. We describe a new, simple conceptual model for tables. The conceptual model treats a table as a map that has a domain which is a product of categories or index sets and a codomain which is a set of entry values. We demonstrate how we can use the model to specify the semantics of some tabular editing operations. 1 Introduction Tables have been and are primarily a presentational technique, but with the surge of use of the Internet and computers, we expect that tables will be used even more. Moreover, they will be used in new ways. For example, tables are already being produced that are much too large to be displayed on a single page or in a single window. In this scenario, we need to have a sound conceptual model of tables to provide a foundation for the design of tabular browsers, the production of tabular views, and the design of tabular query systems. The ideas we discuss are presented in a more rudimentary form in Wang's thesis [21] and in even more rudimentary form in an early pa..