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Triangulation of Gradient Polygons: A Spatial Data Model for Categorical Fields

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Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2007)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 4736))

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Abstract

The concept of the categorical gradient field is introduced to encompass spatially continuous fields of probabilities or membership values in a fixed number of categories. Three models for implementing categorical gradient fields are examined: raster grids, epsilon bands and gradient polygons. Of these, the gradient polygon model shows promise but has not been fully specified. A specification of the model is developed via a four-step process: 1) the constrained Delaunay triangulation of the polygon is created, 2) vertices are added to the polygon edge to ensure consistency, 3) a skeleton of the medial axis is produced and flat spurs are identified, and 4) additional vertices are added along each flat spur. The method is illustrated on a hypothetical transition zone between four adjacent regions, and evaluated according to five general criteria. The model is efficient in terms of data storage, moderately flexible and robust, and intuitive to build and visualize.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 1E2, Fairfax, VA, USA

    Barry J. Kronenfeld

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  1. Barry J. Kronenfeld
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Editor information

Stephan Winter Matt Duckham Lars Kulik Ben Kuipers

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© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Kronenfeld, B.J. (2007). Triangulation of Gradient Polygons: A Spatial Data Model for Categorical Fields. In: Winter, S., Duckham, M., Kulik, L., Kuipers, B. (eds) Spatial Information Theory. COSIT 2007. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 4736. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-74788-8_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-74788-8_26

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-74786-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-74788-8

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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