A comparative study of an algorithm based on the Fourier descriptor with those on geometric criteria

Abstract

Line generalization is an essential data processing operation in geographic information systems and cartography. Many point reduction and simplification algorithms have been developed for this purpose. In 2020 a multi-scale representation model of polyline based on a Fourier descriptor was proposed. The authors present a comparative study of such an algorithm and several simplification ones (Douglas – Peucker, Visvalingham – Whyatt, Li – Openshaw, sleeve-fitting), with different criteria for vertex elimination. A brief description of each method involved in the comparison and a more detailed one for that based on the Fourier descriptor is provided. Generalization quality evaluations characterizing the accuracy of the location and geographical plausibility of the line are discussed. Three coastlines of 1