Query pruning using interior rectangles in an R-tree index

To determine relationships among objects represented in a database at least one interior rectangle lying entirely within a first geometric shape is define. A minimum bounding area for the first geometry and a minimum bounding area for a second geometry are defined and compared with one another to determine if the second geometry fulfills a primary filter condition of an interaction between the first and second geometries. Based on the fulfillment of the primary condition by the second geometry, it is determined whether an intermediate filter condition of interaction between the first and second geometries is fulfilled by analyzing the distribution of the second geometry with respect to at least one interior rectangle within the first geometry. It is determined whether the second geometry fulfills a secondary filter condition by comparing the second geometry with the first geometry if the second geometry fulfills the primary filter condition.