Topological Data Structures for Surfaces (PDF)

In Geography and GIS, surfaces can be analysed and visualised
through various data structures, and topological data structures
describe surfaces in the form of a relationship between certain
surface-specific features. Drawn from many disciplines with a
strong applied aspect, this is a research-led, interdisciplinary
approach to the creation, analysis and visualisation of surfaces,
focussing on topological data structures.

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.

* Provides GI scientists and geographers with an accessible
overview of current surface topology research.

* Algorithms are presented and explained with practical examples
of their usage.

* Features an accompanying website developed by the Editor -
http://geog.le.ac.uk/sanjayrana/surface-networks/

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.