 Simplification (or point reduction) is a technique where the shapes of retained

features are altered to enhance visibility and reduce complexity. Smaller-scale

maps typically have features that are simpler than larger-scale maps because they
simply exhibit more area.

 Omission can be implemented to remove features when they become unnecessary

or illegible at a certain scale. It evolved from the omission operator, instituted by
Raisz in 1962, and has also been known as “refine” at several points over the
years including as recently as 2007 with Regnauld and McMaster. It is helpful to
use this operator when objects do not portray a clear message or fulfill the purpose
for which they were created.

 Displacement is a generalization technique that should be used with caution. To

displace a feature means to alter its absolute location to preserve its unique
identity.[5] Displacing a feature may be an effective cartographic choice when
faced with a few issues. One may want to move a feature slightly out of the way
of another to allow both features to be clearly distinguished by the map viewer.
 Classification organizes geographic data into classes or groups. The classes are
defined by qualitative (e.g. land cover type) or quantitative (e.g. population) feature
properties, the closeness of quantitative property values (e.g. values between 10,000
and 20,000) or the functional roles (e.g. administrative boundaries) of features
Classified data are generally easier to visually analyse, interpret and comprehend
because of fewer attribute data that needs to be dealt with.

 Aggregation is a method of map generalization that combines features of similar

characteristics into a single feature of increased dimensionality that covers the spatial
extent of the original features (i.e. points-to-line, points-to-polygon, or lines-to-
polygon). Data aggregation is used for summarizing, partitioning, and simplifying
data, and is also useful when preserving confidentiality. Two challenges exist when
aggregating data; one is knowing how homogeneous or densely-spaced data must be
in order to be combined in one feature, and the other is deciding the boundary of the
aggregate area.
While using this tool does help remove noise repetition, caution should be taken when
obscuring the properties of the various components, often inhibiting data analysis.
The aggregate operator may also be referred to as combination, regionalization, or
area conversion.
 Symbolization is a procedure in cartographic generalization that involves symbolizing
the selected data, and applying a set of techniques that optimally convey the salient
characteristics of that data, including careful placement of associated text. Symbols
used to represent spatial objects from the source database need to be visible to the
naked eye.
Reference:

Nyangweso, D. 2013. GIS Based Cartographic Generalization in Multi-scale Environment:

Lamu County. http://cae.uonbi.ac.ke/sites/default/files/cae/cae/Daniel%20Nyangweso
%20F56-69032-2011.pdf University of Nairobi. Accessed 12 March 2023

McMaster, R. B.,& Shea, K. S. (1992). Generalization in Digital Cartography. Resource

Publication in Geography, Washington D.C., Association of American Geographers.