An Equal Area Quad-tree Global Discrete Grid Subdivision Algorithm Based on Latitude and Longitude Lines

Abstract

In order to effectively solve the problems of global discrete grid in spatial data management and operations, a novel equal area quad-tree global discrete grid subdivision model based on latitude and longitude lines is proposed in this paper. Coding rules of grid cells, and geometric distortion calculation and analysis of the grid model are also given in the detailed subdivision process. The results have shown that the proposed grid cell has simple structure and stable geometric distortion. Meanwhile, it features hierarchy and nested structure and thus facilitates multi-resolution modelling. With the deepening research of global climate, global resource management and environmental protection, and the study of global issues such as global wildlife and ecological monitoring, more and more applications need to operate on a global scale. And a series of problems will appear if spherical or ellipsoidal surface data is converted to planar data with the way of map projection for processing: the computing of length and area will have significant deviations, and data overlap, fracture and inconsistencies of spatial relationships will occur. Seamless links of worldwide spatial data cannot be achieved, and the validity and