Vector Field Data Model and Operations

This research proposes a new raster data model for representation and analysis of spatially distributed vector measurements and extends the carto- graphic modeling framework by identifying new operations specific to vector fields and by extending existing operations to vector field fields.

Abstract

The completeness and versatility of spatial data models and associated operations serve as the foundation of any GIS. The raster data model and the carto- graphic modeling framework provide the representation and operations for analyz- ing geographic fields. The current GIS raster data model and cartographic modeling operations are limited in that all the attributes measured at each location in fields are scalar quantities. This research proposes a new raster data model for representation and analysis of spatially distributed vector measurements. It extends the carto- graphic modeling framework by identifying new operations specific to vector fields and by extending existing operations to vector fields. Applications of the data model and operations are also provided.