HANDLING DISCRETE SURFACES BY ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION

This paper describes the possible enhancements to the classical interf ace between users and spatial data. In particular, methods to analyse and simulate discrete surfaces will be shown. Surface analysis is desc ribed mainly in the context of shape characterisation and topographic feature extraction. Simulation of surface models is proposed using con strained triangulation, which is able to keep in the geometric model t he possible morphological constraints imposed by the user. Analysis an d simulation are seen as fundamental tools for spatial data handling t o provide the basis for advanced management of spatial data in Geograp hical Information Systems.