A conceptual framework for automated generalization and its application to geologic and soil maps

Abstract: Research in map generalization starts to focus on other types of maps than on topographic maps only. There-fore, new generalization concepts have to be developed, extending on the experiences and research efforts originally made in topographic generalization. This paper presents a new conceptual framework of map generalization with re-spect to thematic mapping based on an analysis of the literature. The framework consists of three phases: a structure analysis stage, the generalization stage and the visualization stage. The stages are first discussed by their objectives and subsequently with respect to more technical modeling aspects. Finally, as a case study, the framework is applied to conceptual modeling of the generalization of geologic and soil maps. 1