A System of Domains for Global Sampling Problems

A system based on the regular dodecahedron for dividing the Earth's surface into domains of equal area and almost the same shape is described. The domains are pseudotriangular, their shape close to equilateral and their sides great circles. Each domain can be divided into 4 new domains, and so on according to specific rules. There are altogether 60 domains of the 1st order, 4×60 = 240 domains of the 2nd order, 4×240 = 960 domains of the 3rd order and so on.A code number system has also been developed which characterizes the domain and its order uniquely. The global 3rd order system of domains and their code numbers are shown on maps. Various applications of the system for global studies are indicated.A computer program which generates geographical coordinates for vertices of the domains of any arbitrary order is outlined. The program itself can be obtained from the authors.