Conversion of raster coded images to polygonal data structures

A method is presented for converting polygons coded in raster data structures into conventional vector structures to allow the output of scanner-based data collection systems to be input directly to conventional geographic information systems. The method relies on topological principles to (1) uniquely label each polygon in the image and produce an output image in which each pixel is described by the label of the polygon to which it belongs; (2) create line segment components of polygon boundaries, with nodes labeled and the two adjacent polygons identified; and (3) traverse the polygon boundaries by connecting the appropriate adjacent line segments. The conversion capability makes it possible to design systems which automatically convert to the data structure most appropriate for a particular application.