Changes affecting generalization of land cover features in a smaller scale

Abstract Reference spatial data sets represent the least changing natural and anthropogenic features of terrine. As a rule, such data are stored in different scales and most frequently updated consequently starting with a spatial data set of a larger scale (usually base scale) thus later performing an update of data in smaller scales. The generalization of features in a larger scale is one of the major processes employed in the creation and update of spatial data of a smaller scale. In order to effectively carry out works, it is recommended to use automatic procedures and generalization only in those cases when changes in features are significant, i.e. affect the update of features in a smaller scale. The article discusses the relation between changes in polygon features (identify land cover territories in a base spatial data set) and different generalization processes as well as the evaluation of significance of likely changes.