An Information Model for Maps: Towards Cartographic Production from GIS Databases

We present an information model that describes maps and informs the definition of GIS databases with the codification of map design to support automated map production. We present an approach to database modeling that considers the map production requirements from the outset, then defines the unique characteristics and requirements for the GIS data to support mapping, as well as the process models to create the maps. Our information model is derived from a communication model that encompasses traditional cartographic design and production processes to transform information about the geographic environment to geospatial data to maps. We tested our information model using a multi-scale GIS database to produce various map products. From our research, we find that the information model can be used to codify the map design and support the production process. The challenge remains to incorporate the flexibility to reflect the individualistic approaches of map makers in their design and compilation processes.

[1]  David Forrest,et al.  Experiments in the Design of 1:100 000 Scale Topographic Mapping for Great Britain , 2001 .

[2]  Timothy F. Trainor.  Fully Automated Cartography: A Major Transition at the Census Bureau , 1990 .

[3]  Graeme C. Simsion.  Data modeling essentials - analysis, design, and innovation , 1993, VNR computer library.

[4]  Alastair Pearson,et al.  The Representation of Topographic Information on Maps: The Depiction of Relief , 2003 .

[5]  Peter A. Burrough,et al.  Are GIS data structures too simple minded , 1992 .

[6]  Zhang Shaobai,et al.  Logical data modeling for geographical applications , 1997, 1997 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Processing Systems (Cat. No.97TH8335).

[7]  David Forrest,et al.  Geographic Information: Its Nature, Classification, and Cartographic Representation , 1999 .

[8]  Aileen Buckley.  Using Valid Value Tables in Geodatabase Design to Define Feature Types , 2004 .

[9]  Dawn J. Wright,et al.  Scientific information model for deepsea mapping and sampling , 1997 .

[10]  Robert Weibel,et al.  A review and conceptual framework of automated map generalization , 1988, Int. J. Geogr. Inf. Sci..

[11]  P.J.M. van Oosterom,et al.  GML for exchanging topographic data , 2002 .

[12]  Donna J. Peuquet,et al.  A Conceptual Framework and Comparison of Spatial Data Models , 1984 .

[13]  Waldo R. Tobler,et al.  A Transformational View of Cartography , 1979 .

[14]  T. Kilpeläinen.  Maintenance of Multiple Representation Databases for Topographic Data , 2000 .

[15]  Michael F. Goodchild,et al.  Geographical data modeling , 1992 .

[16]  Hallvard Trætteberg.  Modeling Work: Workflow and Task Modeling , 1999 .

[17]  M. Sester.  QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR 2.5-D BUILDING DATA OF THE ATKIS DLM 25/2 , 2003 .

[18]  Patricia A. Moore.  Cartographic Data Bases and Software : Plus Cadastral Data Bases , 1981 .