DML: a bridge between database systems and L-systems for biological research

Presents DML (Data Model tools for L-systems). This work combines a novel application area with databases in bioinformatics. DML allows the specification of database structures and queries in terms of objects and relations that are specific to scientific L-system applications. L-systems have been used in many scientific areas. However, not much consideration has been given to persistent storage and querying of the large quantities of data resulting from these L-system simulations. Major limitations of current database products mean that they cannot support the mapping between L-systems and database systems. We find it hard to use any of the existing database products to build a system to satisfy the needs of researchers using L-systems. The research presented in this paper focuses on providing a bridge between L-systems and database systems. The work contributes a schema generator and population translator from L-systems to database systems in the scientific area of generic branching structures.