缓冲区分析是地理信息系统空间分析的一种重要方法,但应用现有的缓冲区分析方法处理海量数据的时间效率和空间效率非常低。针对存在的问题,本文定义了缓冲区的一种近似表达方式--方程式缓冲区,它以数学方程模拟缓冲区的边界。使用方程式缓冲区代替传统的缓冲区能使缓冲区分析从一个包含复杂几何运算的过程转变成包含简单代数运算的过程,从而提高计算效率。论文阐述了方程式缓冲区的定义、图形、使用方法和性能。最后将方程式缓冲区应用于中国高速公路实时路况采集的数据筛选过程中,实验结果表明方程式缓冲区在海量地理数据分析中的有效性。

Buffer analysis is a very important spatial function of Geographic Information System (GIS). However, its efficiency in terms of time and space when used to process massive amounts of geographic data is very limited. To solve this problem, we define an approximate representation form-equational buffer which uses a mathematical equation to simulate the boundary of a buffer in GIS. Using equational buffer, buffer analysis is converted from a process composed of complicated geometric calculations to a process composed of simple algebraic calculations, leading to increased computational efficiency. This paper introduces the definition, pattern, application method and performance of the equational buffer. We also apply the equational buffer in the process of data filtering when estimating the real-time traffic information of Chinas highways based on floating car data, and the experiment result validates that equational buffers are highly efficient in processing massive amounts of geographic data.