A new framework for global 3D data organization: sphere octal hexahedron mesh

Abstract

Research on three-dimensional (3D) discrete global grid systems (DGGSs) is important for applications requiring simulation or analysis on a sphere. Existing 3D DGGSs face challenges in data integration, uneven shape and size of cells, and complex subdivision rules. In this paper, we propose a new 3D global grid called sphere octal hexahedron mesh (SOHM) by extending the quaternary quadrangle mesh along the radial direction and designing encoding and decoding algorithms for SOHM. SOHM has simple subdivision rules, cells of analogous shapes and sizes, and simple relationships between a grid address and its geographic coordinates. SOHM is suitable to serve as a fundamental framework for organizing global 3D data across all latitudes, from deep subsurface to high altitudes. We apply SOHM to satellite orbit tracking and temperature field visualization. Experimental results demonstrate that SOHM achieves smaller convergence values, more analogous shapes, and better encoding and decoding efficiency than the sphere degenerated octree grid, which facilitates efficient management and manipulation of spatial data.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 2026 · DOI ↗