Dilate/Erode Node

What is the “deeper sence” of this node? I guess its more than only a effekt filter, but what is its practical use and why was it impremented?

http://mediawiki.blender.org/index.php/Manual/Compositing_Nodes_Filters#Dilate.2FErode_Node. Also can be used on Z maps to anti-alias hard edges that have big distances. Can be used on alpha maps to blend in top images with base image

see my post here:

http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?t=88113

I use it in comping

cheers,

Bob

Writing manuals is like diathlon. I think to put the single nodes into the right context, I will try to write a basic introducion into BlueBox and GreenBox tecnology. To say the truth, I have to start by collecting tutorials about this issue, because I never worked with this tecnic. Sorry, but everything only in german.