Yet Another Map Algebra

This paper describes features of a language approach for map algebra based on the use of algebraic expressions that satisfy a concise formalism. To be consistent with formal approaches such as geoalgebra and image algebra, the proposed algebraic expressions are suitable not only for the usual modeling of layers but also to describe variable neighborhoods and zones. As a compromise between language and implementation issues we present an implementation strategy based on the theory of automata. The result is an efficient way of implementing map algebra that simplifies its use on environmental and dynamic models without going too far from its well-known paradigm.