Exploring bit arrays for join processing in spatial data streams

Abstract

In this paper, the use of bit arrays for processing spatial joins in spatial data streams is explored. Although spatial joins between objects have been explored in other contexts, such as centralized and distributed systems, they have not been explored in great detail in spatial data streams. This work explores the use of a Bloom-filter (i.e., bit array) inspired representation of a spatial object. Strategies for both mapping objects to bit arrays, and processing spatial joins using the bit arrays in a data stream environment are presented. The strategies are evaluated and compared with spatial (non-bit) join approaches. Performance improvements are identified, and areas of improvement are also identified.