Correlation analysis and reconstruction of the geometric evaluation indicator system of the discrete global grid

Abstract

Although a Discrete Global Grid (DGG) is uniform in its initial subdivision, its geometric deformation increases with the level of subdivisions. The Goodchild Criteria are often used to evaluate the quality of DGGs. However, some indicators in these criteria are mutually incompatible and overlap. If the criteria are used directly, the evaluation of the DGGs is inaccurate or unreliable. In this paper, we calculated and analyzed the correlation between the evaluation indicators of the DGG and reconstructed a quality evaluation system of DGGs with independent indicators. Firstly, we classified the Goodchild Criteria into quantitative and qualitative indicators. Then, we calculated the correlation among the quantitative indicators and extracted the independent evaluation factors and related weights of the observed values by factor analysis. After eliminating or merging the incompatible and overlapping quantitative indicators and performing a logical reasoning of the qualitative indicators, we reconstructed a comprehensive evaluation system with independent indicators. Finally, taking the Quaternary Triangular Mesh (QTM) model as an example, we verified the independence of the indicators and the feasibility of the evaluation system. The new indicator system ensures the reliability of the evaluation of DGGs in many fields.