Global discrete grid systems analysis and comparison

With the development of Earth observation technology, the traditional local area research methods are facing great challenges. How to effectively manage and use the massive spatial data has become a key issue for academic and applied science community. Global discrete grid system divides the earth´s surface into a series of different scale regions (grids) according to some rules. Based on global discrete system, a new global multi-scale data model can be established. This thesis analyzes the current scientific research and commercial global grid systems, such as the platonic solid discrete grid systems, World Wind, Google Earth and Terraserver. According to its advantages, global discrete system may become a feasible option of global data management.