Maps can be quantitatively compared by using trend-surface analysis to simplify complex situations and then studying the components. Relationships of configuration of one map to another (geologic structure in this example) can easily be found by using the equation coefficients of well-fitted first-, second-, and third-degree trend surfaces to determine the similarity between any pair of maps, and cluster analysis of the similarities allows the construction of dendrograms. This method allows subtle differences in maps to be emphasized objectively and permits a more meaningful analysis of the original data.
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Merriam et al. (1966) studied this question.