Geometric simplification is a widely used technique in the field of cartographic generalization. Many algorithms already exist in this field to simplify a geometry so that the number of points in the geometry is reduced while it retains its approximate shape. In this paper, a new algorithm, Moving Window Geometry Simplification (MWGS) algorithm is presented that can be used to reduce a geometry under a given set of constraints. The proposed algorithm uses the technique called sweep line to reduce a geometry and also ensures that none of the constraints are violated. Both computational and algorithmic aspect of the technique are considered for better performance and scaling. The method has important applications in areas relating to map generalization, map compression etc. This algorithm reduced approximately 90% of the points in all the datasets.
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