A relational approach to vector data structure conversion

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Abstract

The proliferation of geographic information systems and digital data bases is creating a need for efficient methods to convert data from one spatial data structure to another. One approach is to create ad hoc interfaces, with a potential of N(N-1) interfaces for N data structures. Using an intermediate data structure, at most 2N interfaces are required. An intermediate relational data structure is therefore proposed that takes the form of a set of normalized relations stored in a relational information management system. The advantages of this approach are found in the simplicity of the relational approach, and the availability of relational operators to be used as higher level tools, to convert from and to the relational data structure. The Relational Information Management System (RIM) is used for the ongoing research. In conjunction with the relational data structure, another higher level tool has been developed to cope with linked lists, tree structures, vectors, and matrices, which are not otherwise easily reduced. This data tracking system is programmable at a higher level, in a syntax that allows a concise expression of the desired restructuring. Output from this system can be further operated on by relational operators to arrive at the desired intermediate data structure. This, and other topology verification and checking tools, are visualized as part of a core system dedicated to the conversion and collation of spatial data from diverse origins.

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title A relational approach to vector data structure conversion
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher Cartography and Geographic Information Society
Contributing office(s) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Description 11 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Auto-Carto VII: Proceedings of the digital representations of spatial knowledge
First page 541
Last page 551
Conference Title Auto-Carto VII: Digital Representations of Spatial Knowledge
Conference Location Washington D.C.
Conference Date Mar 11-14, 1985
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