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A Spatial Access-Oriented Implementation of a 3-D GIS Topological Data Model for Urban Entities

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Abstract

3-D analysis in GIS is still one of the most challenging topics for research. With the goal being to model possible movement within the built environment, this paper, therefore, proposes a new approach to handling connectivity relationships among 3-D objects in urban environments in order to implement spatial access analyses in 3-D space. To achieve this goal, this paper introduces a 3-D network data model called the geometric network model (GNM), which has been developed by transforming the combinatorial data model (CDM), representing a connectivity relationship among 3-D objects using a dual graph. For the transformation, this paper presents (1) an O(n 2) algorithm for computing a straight medial axis transformation (MAT), (2) the processes for transforming phenomena from 3-D CDM to 3-D GNM, and (3) spatial access algorithms for the 3-D geometric network based upon the Dijkstra algorithm. Using the reconstructed geometric network generated from the transformations, spatial queries based upon the complex connectivity relationships between 3-D urban entities are implemented using Dijkstra algorithm. Finally, the paper presents the results of an experimental implementation of a 3-D network data model (GNM) using GIS data of an area in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

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  1. Department of Geography, Minnesota State University, 7 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN, 56001, U.S.A

    Jiyeong Lee

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Lee, J. A Spatial Access-Oriented Implementation of a 3-D GIS Topological Data Model for Urban Entities. GeoInformatica 8, 237–264 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:GEIN.0000034820.93914.d0

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