Multi-scale Categorical Data Bases with Automatic Generalization Transformations Based on Map Algebra
Olli Jaakkola · Cartography and Geographic Information Systems · 1998
The problem of generalizing spatial data sets has been studied in the context of categorical data. Map Algebra, a deterministic modeling language, has been chosen as the modeling language for the generalization transformations. The methodology is based on simple basic Map Algebra functions, which are brought together and run as a sequenced batch file. From the basic Map Algebra functions several individual generalization transformations have been composed; the three most important are described extensively in the paper. The two major practical projects implemented with the automatic generalization transformations are presented. Finally, the results of the methodological development for generalizing categorical databases are presented and the prospects for extending the methodology are discussed.