Controlled Decomposition Strategy for Complex Spatial Objects

The efficient query processing for complex spatial objects is one of most challenging requirements in many non-traditional applications such as geographic information systems, computer-aided design and multimedia databases. The performance of spatial query processing can be improved by decomposing a complex object into a small number of simple components. This paper investigates a natural trade-off between the number and the complexity of decomposed components. In particular, we propose a new object decomposition method which can control the number of components using a parameter. The proposed method is able to finetune the trade-off by controlling the parameter. An optimal value of the parameter is explored through experimental measurements. The decomposition method with this optimal value outperforms traditional decomposition methods. The gain by applying the optimal value is more clear as the complexity of spatial objects increases.