Proposal of a method for evaluating the spatial distribution pattern of linear features

Positional accuracy of cartographic products is typically evaluated using positional discrepancies and point -based techniques. However, using linear features has some advantages over the point -based method, such as a greater amount of geometric and positional information and the fact that approximately 80% of the features on a cartographic basis are lines. Despite these advantages, important parameters for evaluating accuracy using lines have not yet been established or determined, such as the spatial distribution pattern, although it is a relevant factor that can affect the results and determine the validity of an evaluation process. This study proposes a method based on the modification of the Nearest Neighbor Method for points, which can be used to evaluate the spatial distribution pattern of linear features. Instead of the traditional Euclidean distance used by the method for points, the method proposes using the Hausdorff Distance as a measure of the spacing between lines. The proposed method, called Nearest Neighbor Method for Linear Features (NNMLF), was applied to simulated and real data. All experiments with simulated data showed that the NNMLF was effective in estimating spatial distribution pattern up to the third order. Its use on real data showed NNMLF is simple to apply.