Real-world phenomena have traditionally been modelled in a GIS in two and three dimensions. However, powerful insights can be gained by the integration of additional non-spatial dimensions, such as time and scale, in a higher dimensional spatial model. While this theory is conceptually sound, there is a lack of understanding of its consequences when applied to real world geographic information. In this paper we therefore analyse these consequences, as well as the techniques that are necessary in order to extract meaningful 2D/3D information from it, which can be used with existing algorithms and software.