A method for restructuring physical design images into hierarchical data models.

A method for restructuring information stored in physical design image form, such as an image of a layer in a semiconductor package, into a hierarchical area specification model useful in automated design applications. The restructuring results in recognizing identical patterns in the image and storing common information about the patterns in a single location to decrease storage space required and improve access efficiency by design application programs needing the information. Parameters controlling the method can be adjusted to produce a hierarchical model that is particularly suited to the needs of a particular application program.