R-Trees - A Dynamic Index Structure for Spatial Searching

Abstract

In order to handle spatial data efficiently, as required in computer aided design and geo-data applications, a database system needs an mdex mechanism that ti help it retrieve data items quickly accordmg to their spatial locations However, traditional mdexmg methods are not well suited to data oblects of non-zero size located m multidimensional spaces In this paper we describe a dynarmc mdex structure called an R-tree winch meets this need, and give algorithms for searching and updatmg it. We present the results of a series of tests which indicate that the structure performs well, and conclude that it is useful for current database systems m spatial applications