Methodology for evaluating automated map generalization in commercial software

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology developed for a study to evaluate the state of the art of automated map generalization in commercial software without applying any customization. The objectives of this study are to learn more about generic and specific requirements for automated map generalization, to show possibilities and limitations of commercial generalization software, and to identify areas for further research. The methodology had to consider all types of heterogeneity to guarantee independent testing and evaluation of available generalization solutions. The paper presents the two main steps of the methodology. The first step is the analysis of map requirements for automated generalization, which consisted of sourcing representative test cases, defining map specifications in generalization constraints, harmonizing constraints across the test cases, and analyzing the types of constraints that were defined. The second step of the methodology is the evaluation of generalized outputs. In this step, three evaluation methods were integrated to balance between human and machine evaluation and to expose possible inconsistencies. In the discussion the applied methodology is evaluated and areas for further research are identified.

Characterization and Detection of Building Patterns in Cartographic Data: Two Algorithms

“…align-along-road) which integrates the relationship to surrounding roads. The typology proposed in this paper is regarded to be generic as all of the pattern types are confirmed by studying the maps (of the Netherlands, France, and Spain) in the EuroSDR generalization study (Stoter et al, 2009a), and maps of China, examples are shown in Figure 2. Other higher-level or global pattern can be seen as spatial combination of these low-level patterns and the integration of these patterns with other information such as semantics.…”

A robust framework for topological relations in the on-the-fly web map generalisation process

“…In the EuroSDR project, cartographic experts of four national mapping agencies (NMAs) were called to evaluate the results of the automation generalisation process according to certain constraints (Stoter et al, 2009). The objective of this project consists to illustrate the state of the art of automated generalisation in practice, exchange of knowledge between research community, NMAs and software vendor and to contribute to the development of constraint specification.…”

Analytical Estimation of Map Readability

“…Stoter et al [32] comprehensively studied map specifications for automated map generalization (i.e., selection and simplified representation of details appropriate to the scale and/or purpose of a map [17]). In their results, the authors listed graphical measures for both single objects and groups of objects.…”