Graphics Facility for Integration, Editing, and Display of Slope, Curvature, and Contours from a Digital Terrain Elevation Database

摘要

The ability of man to scan terrain, compare it with a topographical representation, and make decisions based on his analysis is a unique and complex talent. Teaching a machine to make these same comparisons and analyses is a formidable task. However, the development of acceptable algorithms to permit the appropriate classifications of terrain will expand the capabilities of machines in a number of endeavors including route planning and movement across selected terrain. Recent research in terrain classification has centered around using mathematical equations to represent small cells of land. This thesis will attempt to improve the classification of terrain data by expanding the type of information available, and by enhancing the quality of the data through the use of a graphics tool (bicubic splines) to edit and smooth this raw elevation data for more accurate elevation representation. Theses. (fr)