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On the Imprecision of Boundaries
Author(s) -
Leung Yee
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
geographical analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.773
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1538-4632
pISSN - 0016-7363
DOI - 10.1111/j.1538-4632.1987.tb00120.x
Subject(s) - fuzzy logic , boundary (topology) , simple (philosophy) , set (abstract data type) , fuzzy set , natural (archaeology) , mathematics , computer science , boundary line , artificial intelligence , epistemology , geology , geometry , philosophy , mathematical analysis , paleontology , programming language
Imprecision of regional boundaries is subjected to a formal analysis within a fuzzy set theoretic framework. Regions are characterized by linguistic propositions which have precise mathematical translations. It is demonstrated that boundaries are generally fuzzy and exist as gradients rather than lines. Similarly, regions overlap to a certain extent. Though regional characterizations are imprecise, the extent of a fuzzy boundary can be exactly demarcated. Concepts of regional cores and edges are also examined. A simple climatic classification problem is employed to illustrate the theoretical arguments. The framework appears to be more natural, informative, and flexible. It comprises the conventional regional concepts as special cases.