It is known that the topological classification of a closed Riemann surface is determined by its genus. Similar statements are proven for other compact Riemann surfaces with boundaries/marked points. I was wondering about the similar classification for a general compact four-manifolds possibly with boundaries or even open four-manifolds. More concretely, I am wondering to which extent the work of Michael Freedman classifies the topological four-manifolds, and what information is required to uniquely specify the topological class of a compact/non-compact four-manifold.
Ali Taghavi
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