Topological Data Structures for Surfaces: an introduction for Geographical Information Science describes the concepts and applications of these data structures. The book focuses on how these data structures can be used to analyse and visualise surface datasets from a range of disciplines such as human geography, computer graphics, metrology, and physical geography. Divided into two Parts, Part I defines the topological surface data structures and explains the various automated methods used for their generation. Part II demonstrates a number of applications of surface networks in diverse fields, ranging from sub-atomic particle collision visualisation to the study of population density patterns. To ensure that the material is accessible, each Part is prefaced by an overview of the techniques and application.

This book is invaluable for researchers and postgraduate students working in departments of GI Science, Geography and Computer Science. It also constitutes key reference material for Masters students working on surface analysis projects as part of a GI Science or Computer Science programme.

Although designed primarily for desktop mapping and analysis, Geographic Information Systems have, for some years, been ‘coupled’ to other ‘allied’ technologies. This coupling or integration has occurred for some time due to the limitations in commercially available systems. It has occurred in several areas including visualisation (virtual reality), simulation (pedestrian, urban modelling), data storage and management (distributed or Internet GIS) and decision support. The chapters of the book, written by an international group of experts examine several of these discrete areas, focussing on the use of GIS and the technology it has been allied to.

Topological Data Structures for Surfaces: an introduction for Geographical Information Science describes the concepts and applications of these data structures. The book focuses on how these data structures can be used to analyse and visualise surface datasets from a range of disciplines such as human geography, computer graphics, metrology, and physical geography. Divided into two Parts, Part I defines the topological surface data structures and explains the various automated methods used for their generation. Part II demonstrates a number of applications of surface networks in diverse fields, ranging from sub-atomic particle collision visualisation to the study of population density patterns. To ensure that the material is accessible, each Part is prefaced by an overview of the techniques and application.

This book is invaluable for researchers and postgraduate students working in departments of GI Science, Geography and Computer Science. It also constitutes key reference material for Masters students working on surface analysis projects as part of a GI Science or Computer Science programme.

Although designed primarily for desktop mapping and analysis, Geographic Information Systems have, for some years, been ‘coupled’ to other ‘allied’ technologies. This coupling or integration has occurred for some time due to the limitations in commercially available systems. It has occurred in several areas including visualisation (virtual reality), simulation (pedestrian, urban modelling), data storage and management (distributed or Internet GIS) and decision support. The chapters of the book, written by an international group of experts examine several of these discrete areas, focussing on the use of GIS and the technology it has been allied to.