Map generalization is the cartographic process of selecting, simplifying, classifying, and transforming geographic information to produce a map that remains clear, legible, and appropriate for its intended scale and purpose [1][2]. In GIS, map generalization is particularly important when deriving smaller-scale maps from more detailed spatial databases, because displaying all source features at their original level of detail may create visual clutter, symbol overlap, and conflicts between features [1][3]. Common generalization operations include selection, simplification, smoothing, aggregation, displacement, and exaggeration, which reduce detail or modify feature representations while seeking to preserve important geographic characteristics and spatial relationships [3][4]. The choice and combination of operations depend on map scale, data characteristics, thematic purpose, and cartographic constraints [1][2][5].
- map generalization
- cartographic generalization
- GIS
- map scale
- spatial data simplification
- cartographic representation
Geographic Information Systems Studies • Geography, Planning and Development • Social Sciences • Social Sciences
References
- William A. Mackaness; Dirk Burghardt; Cécile Duchêne. Map Generalization; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, United States, 2017; pp. 1-16. [CrossRef]
- William A. Mackaness; Omair Chaudhry. Generalization and Symbolization; Springer Nature: Durham, NC, United States, 2008; pp. 330-339. [CrossRef]
- Zhilin Li; Digital Map Generalization at the Age of Enlightenment: a Review of the First Forty Years. Cartogr. J. 2007, 44, 80-93. [CrossRef]
- Lawrence V. Stanislawski; Barbara P. Buttenfield; Pia Bereuter; Sandro Savino; Cynthia A. Brewer. Generalisation Operators; Springer Nature: Durham, NC, United States, 2014; pp. 157-195. [CrossRef]
- McMaster, R. B.; Shea, K. S. Generalization in Digital Cartography; Association of American Geographers: Washington, D.C., United States, 1992.