Fill Holes
What is Fill Holes Analysis?
Fill Holes analysis is a spatial operation used to automatically fill small gaps or voids within vector geometries, such as polygons. These gaps, or "holes," can be the result of data processing errors, misaligned boundaries, or simply missing data. This analysis identifies holes within a given geometry that are below a certain threshold size and fills them by adjusting the geometry to include these previously missing areas.
When would you use Fill Holes Analysis?
Fill Holes Analysis is particularly useful in scenarios where spatial data accuracy and completeness are critical. It is common in cartography, land use mapping, or ecological modeling where complete coverage of a geographical area is necessary. This analysis ensures seamless and contiguous geometric shapes, which is crucial for tasks such as calculating area ratios, performing overlay operations, or creating visually appealing maps.
FAQs
How do I set the threshold size for the Fill Holes Analysis?
Within Atlas, you can specify the threshold size in the analysis parameters before executing the Fill Holes operation. This threshold determines the maximum size of the holes you want to fill automatically.
Can Fill Holes Analysis affect my original data geometry?
Yes, when holes are filled, the geometry is altered to integrate the filled areas. Ensure to back up your data or perform this analysis on a copy of your dataset if you need to preserve the original geometries.
What types of geometries can Fill Holes Analysis be applied to?
Fill Holes Analysis is applicable to polygon geometries where the primary objective is to fill small, enclosed voids within the shape itself.
Does Fill Holes Analysis account for topological errors?
While Fill Holes Analysis addresses gaps within a single geometry, it might not resolve overlapping polygons or other topological errors. Separate analyses might be required for full topology correction.