Simplify
Reduces vertex count while approximating the shape to improve performance and reduce file size.
Category: Operations
Definition (expanded)
Simplification uses algorithms like Douglas–Peucker. It is a tradeoff between fewer vertices and accuracy. Over-simplification can create self-intersections or remove small features. Always sanity-check results on a map.
Related terms
VertexA single coordinate point in a ring or line; polygons are made of many vertices.Valid geometryA geometry that follows topological rules (closed rings, no self-intersections, properly nested holes, etc.).ToleranceA threshold distance used by simplify, snapping, and some repair operations.Coordinate precisionHow many decimal places you keep in coordinates, which affects file size and geometric stability.