Removal operations in nD generalized maps for efficient homology computation

Abstract

In this paper, we present an efficient way for computing homology generators of nD generalized maps. The algorithm proceeds in two steps: (1) cell removals reduces the number of cells while preserving homology; (2) homology generator computation is performed on the reduced object by reducing incidence matrices into their Smith-Agoston normal form. In this paper, we provide a definition of cells that can be removed while preserving homology. Some results on 2D and 3D homology generators computation are presented. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.