Applications of Geometry

Geometry overlays the entire computing spectrum, having applications in almost every area of science and engineering, including astrophysics, molecular biology, mechanical design, fluid mechanics, computer graphics, computer vision, geographic information systems, robotics, multimedia, and mechanical engineering. The growing availability of large geometric databases is a major driver of the increase in applications. GIS mapping databases containing most of the world's roads enable route planning applications. Airborne LIDAR creates terrain elevation databases. That enables observer visibility computation, with applications ranging from radio tower siting to visual nuisance mitigation. Laser scanners produce 3D point clouds recording the surfaces of objects from buildings down to sculptures and even people. The ensuing applications include deducing the structure of those objects' surfaces.