Geometry of Boundary Exchanges
Author(s): Sandra L. Arlinghaus and John D. Nystuen
Source: Geographical Review,
Vol. 80, No. 1, (Jan., 1990), pp. 21-31
Published by: American Geographical Society
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/215895
Abstract
The geometric concept of self-similarity, from
fractal geometry, may be used to compress portions of long, linear
boundaries separating contrasting landuse types, like lake and shore or
forest and meadow, into small, compact regions. This process is applied
to maps of an actual location on the northern shore of Lake St. Clair
and to a hypothetical map of a national forest. Using fractal geometry
to determine boundaries can offer visitors to such regions the
opportunity to enjoy exchange across them and can simultaneously
minimize the potential for overall damage to broad expanses of shore or
forest.
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