Modeling a Public Transport Network for Generation of Schematic Maps and Location Queries

Abstract Schematic maps, such as subway or transit maps, are produced by hand or purely graphics software at present. This is not only a timely process, but requires a skilled map designer. Automatic generation of schematic maps may improve the process but more importantly would extend the use of such maps to a larger audience. In order to produce such maps however, we need a database containing geographical information on network routes of the region under consideration. This database should also contain topological information in order to answer common location queries from the map user. One fundamental aspect in a GIS project is the data model, which describes how the geographic reality will be represented in the computer. This paper presents a data model to describe geographical and topological information of a public transport network. We have also built a user interface on top of the data model for supporting location queries. Keywords: data model, transportation network, location queries