Content of Variable-scale Maps: PhD Research Proposal

This PhD research proposal focuses on vario-scale geo-information. Vario-scale is a new approach for creating maps o_ering an infinitely number of scales, minimum redundancy and a data structure for progressive transfer. A lot of knowledge has to be implemented in the generalization process to populate good quality vario-scale data. I will try to make a paradigm shift towards dynamic vario-scale geo-information. Some of the research topics are motivated by discussion with the Users Committee of the Technology Foundation STW. The PhD research will be conducted as follows. Firstly of all, the motivation for this research and an overview of state-of-the-art technologies are presented. Secondly, the whole principle of vario-scale, the current status of research and the applications are described. Thirdly, open problems and new challenges are discussed. The most important part is chapter 4 where the plan of thePhDresearch is described. In my PhD research, I will start exploring the whole process chain of creating and using vario-scale maps. Later on I will develop knowledge about di_erent classes leading to an indication of improved generalization actions depending on the classes. For the improvement of the generalization model, including pattern recognition to enrich input data, generalization decisions or improvement of generalization operators are needed. After that, I will solve the problem how to deal with large data sets containing millions of records. Finally, the design and implementation of a more dynamic structure - where updating, changing, replacing or modifying is possible - will take place. The last part of proposal focuses on practical issues such as appropriate data sets for research or financing and research output