Automated Generalization of Road Networks for Topographic Base Map

Abstract

Automated generalization is a very challenging problem for map producers and plays an important role in map creation. Road networks are important features on topographic base maps. They are sensitive to scale change, therefore multiple representations are required to maintain visual and geographic logic at smaller scales. This paper focuses on the characteristics, hierachies, constraint parameters and automated generalization of the road features on the topographic base map at different scales. The generalization steps were implemented in ArcGIS Model Builder using mentioned out-of-the-box functionality, which removes features by feature hierarchy and network connectivity, yet preserves characteristic urban local density patterns that can be lost through simple category removals. The tool and constraint parameters are used to automatically generalize road networks from maps scale of 1: 2,000 to scales of 1:10,000 area of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. Research result shows that using reasonable parameters and tools could provide a good way to generalize and create base map layers meeting different demands and building multi-purpose map database in the future.