Parametric cubic splines and geologic shape descriptions

Parametric cubic splines provide a versatile means of describing and sampling shapes and curves commonly found in geology. These splines allow the researcher to treat easily curves which are not single-valued in Cartesian or polar coordinates. In addition, they simultaneously provide approximations to positions, slopes, and curvatures of the curve being considered. In conjunction with simple digitizing equipment and a small computer, the method of parametric cubic spline approximation allows the researcher to analyze curves or outlines in cases where the more rapid technique involving video imaging equipment is either not applicable or not available.