An ontology-driven multi-agent system for nautical chart generalization

ABSTRACT On nautical charts, undersea features are portrayed by sets of soundings (depth points) and isobaths (depth contours) from which map readers can interpret undersea features. Different techniques were developed for automatic sounding selection and isobath generalization. These methods are mainly used to generate a new chart from the bathymetric database or from a larger scale chart through selection and simplification. However, a part of the process consists in selecting and emphasizing undersea features formed by groups of soundings and isobaths on the chart according to their relevance to maritime navigation. Hence, automation of the process requires classification of features and their generalization through the application of a set of operators according not only to geometric constraints but also to their meaning. The objective of this work is to conceive a multi-agent system (MAS) for nautical chart generalization that is driven by the knowledge on the generalization process and the undersea features and their relationships. First, this work provides a feature-centered ontology modeling of the generalization process. Then, the MAS structure is introduced where agents access cartographic knowledge stored in the ontology. The MAS makes use of measure algorithms to evaluate constraint violations on the chart in order to decide which generalization operators to apply. The whole model has been implemented to provide generalization plans on a real case study.