Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
On Shape Metrics in Cartographic
Generalization: A Case Study of the Building
Footprint Geometry
V´tP
´
szto, Alˇbˇta Brychtov
´
, and Luk
´
ˇ Marek
Introduction
Cartographic generalization is a key point in the process of mapmaking. It can be
defined as the process of selecting and simplifying the detail of representation
appropriate to the scale and purpose of a map (Savino
2011
). The process of
generalization extracts and reduces information from reality or source maps and
portrays it to represent a specific theme at a smaller scale, while meeting carto-
graphic specifications and maintaining the representative integrity of the mapped
area (ESRI
1996
). The degree of generalization is proportional to a feature
s spatial
'
detail and inversely proportional to map scale (Kimerling et al.
2011
).
Cartographic generalization comprises two distinct processes: (a) reducing the
shape complexity of mapped features and even displacing linework or symbols in
order to improve legibility, (b) reducing the amount of information shown in a map.
The first process influences the quantitative accuracy of a map; the second affects
the completeness of it (Maling
1988
). The generalization becomes more specific in
the GIS environment. For this reason two kinds of generalization can be distin-
guished: (a) cartographic generalization and (b) model-oriented generalization.
Cartographic generalization concerns only the visualization of geospatial informa-
tion and occurs at the graphic level. Yet, none of available GIS software products
