Fuzzy-Vector Structures for Transient-Phenomenon Representation

Abstract

This paper deals with data structures within GIS. Continuous phenomena are usually represented by raster structures for simplicity reasons. With such structures, spatial repartitions of the data are not easily interpretable. Moreover, in an overlapping/clustering context, these structures remove the links between the data and the algorithms. We propose a vector representation of such data based on non-regular multi-ring polygons. The structure requires multi-part nested polygons and new set operations. We present the formalism based on belief theory and uncertainty reasoning. We also detail the implementation of the structures and the set operations. The structures and the set operations are illustrated in the context of forest classification having diffuse transitions.