Voronoi diagrams based on convex distance functions

Abstract

We present an “expanding waves” view of Voronoi diagrams that allows such diagrams to be defined for very general metrics and for distance measures that do not qualify as metrics. If a pebble is dropped into a still pond, circular waves move out from the point of impact. If n pebbles are dropped simultaneously, the places where wave fronts meet define the Voronoi diagram on the n points of impact.