Relational-linear quadtree approach for two-dimensional spatial representation and manipulation

An approach called relational-linear quadtree which provides information at multiple resolutions to describe spatial features together with descriptive or propositional information in desired structures is presented. It also provides powerful and flexible spatial analysis and manipulation ability. Its principle is quite clear, and implementation is very easy. It can be modified to fit other database models or structured knowledge representation schemes and can be implemented on most database management systems (DBMS) or expert system tools which support the structured models or schemes. The only extension is a set of quadtree operators which involve arithmetic operations on integers that can be coded as routines in a host language or a system command language. No additional processor is needed. This advantage makes the relational-linear quadtree a very practical approach in making use of the existing DBMSs or expert system tools to develop spatial information processing systems