Matching planar maps

Algorithms for measuring the similarity of patterns of line segments in the plane, a standard problem in, e.g. computer vision, geographic information systems, etc, are defined.

Abstract

The subject of this paper are algorithms for measuring the similarity of patterns of line segments in the plane, a standard problem in, e.g., computer vision, geographic information systems, etc. More precisely, we define feasible distance measures that reflect how close a given pattern H is to some part of a larger pattern G. These distance measures are generalizations of the well-known Frechet distance for curves. We first give an efficient algorithm for the case that H is a polygonal curve and G is a geometric graph. Then, slightly relaxing the definition of distance measure, we give an algorithm for the general case where both, H and G, are geometric graphs.