A Combined Automated Generalization Model of Spatial Active Objects

Automating the map generalization process has traditionally been a major focus of research in cartography and GIS environment. Many algorithms and models have been developed over the past three decades, starting with the line simplification algorithms and ending with “Clarity” the new environment employing AGENTS, JAVA, XML and Topology. Although automation of cartographic generalization has been a field of extensive research, a method of usable holistic understanding generalization is still lacking. The model for combined generalization described in this paper, is intended to initiate a method that understands and describes the action and behaviour of active objects in the map generalization process. The paper focuses on the object properties analysis in order to determine the “power” of each object in any given map, and the interactions between these powers. These interactions produce "forces" that act on the objects and control their behaviour according to the cartographic constraints