Faster TIN Volume Calculations
By Lazar Pevac
A new, faster TIN volume calculation method is ready. It takes advantage of multiple
processors that are currently available in every modern computer. The program detects the
number of processors in your computer and divides the volume calculations among them.
This does not mean that the volume calculation will be eight times faster, if you have eight
processor units because they might not be independent.
FIGURE 1. CPU Usage When the System is Idle”
FIGURE 2. CPU Usage During TIN Volume Calculation with “Show Picture” Option.
FIGURE 3. CPU Usage During TIN Volume Calculation Without “Show Picture” Option.
July / 2015
1
FIGURE 4. All Processors Firing Up — They are Just Doing
Volume Calculation.
Figure 2 displays the very unbalanced business of
CPU. The “Paint Picture” operation blocks all volume
pending operations. Additionally, it is one more
process to handle on the top of eight volume
calculation processes.
If you want to make your entire CPU unit busy, skip
the “Show Picture” option; however, bear in mind that
the picture is a very good logical control of the
volume calculation process.
You can always see the task progression during the volume calculation in the lower left
corner.
The last table shows a comparison between the old and new method with different volume
calculation scenarios. In all cases, the “Show Picture” option was checked. The new method
is at least 4times faster.
TABLE 1. TIN Volumes Time Comparisons Between Methods
New Method
Old Method
Volume Calculation
(Time in Sec)
Time in Sec
Speed (Pct
Increase)
TIN vs Level
7.737
28.361
367%
TIN vs Level with Borders
2.621
9.407
359%
TIN vs Channel with Zones
0.391
0.921
236%
TIN vs Channel with Zones and Sections
0.452
2.293
507%
Dual TIN
1.419
6.256
441%
Dual TIN vs Level
14.009
51.824
370%
Dual TIN vs Level with Borders
4.352
14.321
329%
Dual TIN vs Channel with Zones
0.499
1.575
316%
Dual TIN vs Channel with Zones and Sections
0.531
3.447
649%
Philadelphia Predredge
3.291
16.209
493%
Philadelphia Predredge/Postdredge
0.655
5.366
819%
Average speed pct. increase
2
444%