Discrete Global Grid Systems*

A new class of spatial data structures called discrete global grid systems (DGGS’s) is introduced and the general application classes for it are discussed. DGGS’s based on subdivisions of the platonic solids, called Geodesic DGGS’s, are then introduced. A number of existing and proposed Geodesic DGGS’s are examined by looking at four design choices that must be made in constructing a Geodesic DGGS: the base platonic solid, the orientation of that solid relative to the earth’s surface, the method of subdivision defined on a face of that solid, and a method for relating that planar subdivision to the corresponding spherical surface. Finally, an examination of these design choices leads us to the construction of the ISEA3H DGGS.