Generalization of Geographic Data

Lecture 4
GE 173 – Digital Cartography
 Why is generalization
necessary?
If a map is produced from a database at a
scale smaller than intended, the map
might become illegible.
Increased density of the map contents due to scale
reduction.
Features become too small to be seen clearly, or to be
represented at true size (to scale) on a monitor or on
paper.
The data requires Generalization
 What is generalization?

The process of reducing the amount

of detail in a map (or database) in a
meaningful way

• Generalization related to the map purpose

• Generalization is scale related
• Generalization is partly subjective
• Generalization is output related
Scale reduction without
generalization
1:25,000 map

1:25,000 map
reduced to 50%
without generalization

1:25,000 map
reduced to 25%
without generalization
 Generalization from large into small scale

Scale 1:10,000 Scale 1:25,000 Scale 1:50,000

Decrease of detail
Increase of area

1 cm = 100 meters 1 cm = 250 meters 1 cm = 500 meters

Scale 1:100,000 Scale 1:200,000 Scale 1:500,000

1 cm = 1 kilometer 1 cm = 2 kilometer 1 cm = 5 kilometer

Generalization, Simplification
and Abstraction

Cartographic Abstraction
That part of the mapping activity wherein
the cartographer transforms unmapped
data into map form and selects and
organizes the information necessary to
develop the user’s understanding of the
concepts.
 1. Selection

2.
6. Induction
Classification

Elements of
Generalization
5. 3.
Symbolization Simplification

4.
Exaggeration
 1. Selection
Involves early decisions regarding the geographic
space to be mapped, map scale, map
projection and aspect, which data variables are
fit to satisfy the map’s purpose, and sampling
methods which must be employed.
Examples:
- To portray or not to portray roads
- To include or not to include major
hydrographic features
- To name or not to name all cities
 2. Classification

The ordering, scaling, and grouping of features by

their attributes and attribute values.
Reduces the complexity of the map image, helps to
organize the mapped information, and thus
enhances communication.

Examples:
- combination of all airline routes used by all airlines
between any pair of cities.
- Allocation of similar qualitative attributes, such as
land use or vegetation, into categories (i.e.,
cropland, forest)
 3. Simplification
The determination of important characteristics of
feature attributes and elimination of unwanted
detail.
Reduce the amount of information to the map’s ability
to portray it legibly at the chosen scale, and maintain,
as far as possible, the essential geographical
characteristics of the mapped phenomena.

Types:
- Elimination Routines (point and feature
simplification)
- Modification Routines (smoothing and
enhancement)
 4. Exaggeration
To deliberately enlarge or alter a feature in order
to capture its real world essence. It is affected
by the purpose and scale of the map.
So, why use exaggeration? The features that are
important enough to be shown on the map,
but in reality are small in size (e.g. roads,
houses), are size exaggerated to be visible
and well-interpreted by the map reader.
.
 5. Symbolization
The most complex of mapping abstraction since
it is not possible to create a reduced image of
the real world without devising a set of marks
(symbols) that stand for real-world things.

Objective: to translate the classified,

simplified, and exaggerated features
to graphic marks on the map.
 5. Symbolization
Major Classes of Symbols (for thematic maps):
1. Replicative - those that are designed to
look like their real-world counter-parts.
- used to stand for tangible objects.
- i.e., coastlines, trees, railroads, houses
2. Abstract - take the form of geometric
shapes, such as circles or squares, and
triangles.
- a detailed legend is necessary
• Abstract Symbols
• Abstract Symbols
 6. Induction

Making inferences from interrelationships among

features on the map.
 Controls of Generalization

1. map purpose and conditions of

use
2. map scale
3. quality and quantity of data
4. graphic limits (physical,
physiological and psychological
limits
Questions?