Abstract. We present algorithms for constructing a hierarchy of increasingly coarse Morse—Smale complexes that decompose a piecewise linear 2-manifold. While these complexes are defined only in the smooth category, we extend the construction to the piecewise linear category by ensuring structural integrity and simulating differentiability. We then simplify Morse—Smale complexes by canceling pairs of critical points in order of increasing persistence.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Edelsbrunner, ., Harer, . & Zomorodian, . Hierarchical Morse—Smale Complexes for Piecewise Linear 2-Manifolds . Discrete Comput Geom 30, 87–107 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00454-003-2926-5
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00454-003-2926-5