Approximations of 2D and 3D generalized Voronoi diagrams

• Published in: International journal of computer mathematics Vol. 85; no. 7; pp. 1003 - 1022
• Main Authors: Boada, Imma, Coll, Narcís, Madern, Narcís, Antoni Sellarès, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01-07-2008
• Subjects: approximation; computational geometry; computer graphics; dynamic maintenance; generalized Voronoi diagram
• ISSN: 0020-7160; 1029-0265
• DOI: 10.1080/00207160701466362

We propose a new approach for computing in an efficient way polygonal approximations of generalized 2D/3D Voronoi diagrams. The method supports distinct site shapes (points, line-segments, curved-arc segments, polygons, spheres, lines, polyhedra, etc.), different distance functions (Euclidean distance, convex distance functions, etc.) and is restricted to diagrams with connected Voronoi regions. The presented approach constructs a tree (a quadtree in 2D/an octree in 3D) which encodes in its nodes and in a compact way all the information required for generating an explicit representation of the boundaries of the Voronoi diagram approximation. Then, by using this hierarchical data structure a reconstruction strategy creates the diagram approximation. We also present the algorithms required for dynamically maintaining under the insertion or deletion of sites the Voronoi diagram approximation. The main features of our approach are its generality, efficiency, robustness and easy implementation.