The Integration Of Simplification And Smoothing Algorithms In Line Generalization

The cartographic generalization of vector data in digital format involves six distinct processes, including simplification, smoothing, enhancement, displacement, merging, and omission. Although the research agenda has addressed each of the six elements individually, little consideration has been given to the geometric interaction of the components. This paper proposes a conceptual model, based on a sequential set of five procedures – or transformations – for the processing of linear digital data. The geometric interaction of simplification and smoothing algorithms is especially emphasized. The first process involves cleaning the digital file, whereby digitizing errors and duplicate coordinate pairs are eliminated. This is followed by a simple smoothing–normally based on weighted-averaging–designed to eliminate the 'gridding' constraints of the digitizing tablet or other encoding device. A third manipulation involves what is called database simplification where a sequential approach (such as Lang toleranci...