Linear Time Euclidean Distance Transform Algorithms

Two linear time (and hence asymptotically optimal) algorithms for computing the Euclidean distance transform of a two-dimensional binary image are presented. The algorithms are based on the construction and regular sampling of the Voronoi diagram whose sites consist of the unit (feature) pixels in the image. The rst algorithm, which is of primarily theoretical interest, constructs the complete Voronoi diagram. The second, more practical, algorithm constructs the Voronoi diagram where it intersects the horizontal lines passing through the image pixel centres. Extensions to higher dimensional images and to other distance functions are also discussed.