A Hybrid Data Structure for Integrated Modeling of Geographic 3D Data

This paper first discusses the relationship between scale and spatial cognition, and then presents a new a hybrid data structure for integrated modeling of geographic 3D data, combining man-made and natural features above, in and below the earth surface. In this data structure, TIN/TEN approach is used to represent field objects and Boundary Representation approach is used to represent feature object. 3D combinatorial map is used to describe the topological relationships among geometry primitives. A prototype, taking man-made and natural features above, in and below the earth surface is also discussed.