Research Article. Fuzzy set theoretic approaches for handling imprecision in spatial analysis

Abstract

This paper presents methodologies for modelling imprecision in the definition, analysis and synthesis of two-dimensional features. The imprecision may arise through incomplete information, the presence of varying concentrations of attributes, or the use of qualitative descriptions of spatial features or their relationships. The work is intended to have applications in geographical information systems (GIS), but is equally applicable to other types of spatial information systems or spatial database applications. Fuzzy sets are used as a representational and reasoning device. The paper contains definitions of an imprecisely defined spatial feature or fuzzy region; definitions of distance and directional metrics between two such regions; a methodology for analysis of the spatial relationship between two regions; and a methodology for synthesis of new regions that are subject to the presence of imprecise spatial constraints.