Evaluation of Topological Relations in a Discrete Vector Model

A spatial object is characterized not only by its geometric extents, but also by the spatial relations existing with its surrounding objects. An important kind of spatial relations is represented by topological relations. Many models have been defined in literature for formalizing the semantics of topological relations between spatial objects in the Euclidean 2D and 3D space [6, 3, 2]. Nevertheless, when these relations are evaluated in available systems many robustness problems can arise, which are essentially related to the discrete representations adopted by such systems. Moreover, in a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) the perturbations introduced by the exchange of data between different systems can increase the robustness problems. The aim of this report is to define an implementation of topological relations with reference to a discrete vector model commonly adopted by today’s systems.