3D TOPOLOGICAL SUPPORT IN SPATIAL DATABASES: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

The storage of spatial data that consists of spatial and non-spatial properties requires a database management system that possesses spatial functions that can cater to the spatial characteristics of data. These characteristics include the geometrical shape, topological and positional information. Parallel to how geometries describe the shape of an object, topological information is also an important spatial property which describes how the geometries in a space are related to each other. This information describes the connectivity, containment and adjacencies of spatial objects which are the foundation for more complex analysis such as navigation, data reconstruction, spatial queries and others. However, the topological support provided by spatial databases varies. This paper provided an overview on the current implementations of topological support in spatial databases such as ArcGIS, QGIS, PostgreSQL and others. The native topology in most spatial databases was found to be 2D topology maintained by 2D topology rules with limited representation of 3D topological relationships. Consequently, 3D objects represented by 2D topology had to be decomposed into objects of lower dimensions. Approaches to implement additional topological support for spatial databases included the use of topological data models, data structures, operators, and rules. 3D applications such as 3D cadastre required more detailed representations of topological information which required a more comprehensive 3D topological data model. Nonetheless, comprehensive preservation of topological information also mandates voluminous storage and higher computational efficiency. Thus, the appropriate 3D topological support should be provided in spatial databases to accurately represent 3D objects and meet 3D analysis requirements.