NEW CONSIDRATIONS FOR AUTOMATED GENERALIZATION PROCESS IN THE CONTEXTF OF GIS

Abstract

The lack of digital maps at different scales is considered an impediment for GIS applications due to the high cost of the conversion process and the absence of automated Generalization tools. Hence, the conversion process is repeated for each scale and, the attribute database is rebuilt to be relevant to the geometric modifications due to scale change.

Many researchers have exerted a lot to solve the automated Generalization problem but they focus on specific topics (linear features, some range of scales, and some types of maps). Most of researchers have approached the problem from cartographic point of view, however, if we deal with automated Generalization from the GIS point of view, new dimensions will appear and the problems will be different. Through GIS environment and the assistance of object oriented programming tools and with new expert systems techniques, . the automated Generalization problem could be simplified.

In this research, the automated Generalization process is discussed in the GIS context. Past and present attempts are shown. New approaches and future trends are studied. Two existing automated Generalization systems are discussed. Also proposed solutions are presented. Finally an experiment for automating the generalization process is executed, and the results are discussed. The whole effort could be seen as an attempt towards comprehensive solution for automated Generalization process.

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