Nemo Library - introduction and purpose


Petaluma 1

The natural domain of all geographical data is isometric, finite and boundless spheroidal surface of the planet Earth. This is why it is frequently both easier and more useful to build a digital globe, then it is to build a digital map:

Petaluma 2

The traditional method of geographic coordinate numerical recording consists of angular φ and λ (latitude and longitude, respectively). This coordinate form is ill-suited for processing on a digital computer. Specifically, the implementer of any application that handles large volumes of wide area geographic data must find a solution to three fundamental software engineering problems:

Nemo Library is a collection of open source C-language functions, that provides a path to the solution of those problems. It may work effectively for a large number of wide area or global geographical applications that are built using the following design strategy:

The approach to geographic data representation outlined above provides a sound foundation for construction of complex, multi-point data objects (point sets, lines, surface areas) and of their application-specific spatial sorting and searching.

This web-page is only a brief outline; there is a [Library Reference Manual] and a discussion of the above mentioned [Nemo Library Coordinate Systems]; both documents are included in the distribution and are viewable on-line. Abundant comments accompany the C language Library source code.

The use of the Nemo Library is governed by a [BSD-style license], the text of which is included in the distribution archive.

The library is distributed as a .tar archive. There is no "version control" other than a 6-digit (YYMMDD) publication date numeric string included in the distribution file name.


Download the Library archive (605 kB): [nemoLibrary230304.tar.gz].


Contact the author: [Hrvoje Lukatela]