Quantifying spatial similarity for use as constraints in map generalisation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Quantitatively expressing spatial similarity is a prerequisite of using it as constraints in map generalization; nevertheless, it has not yet been well solved. To fill the gap, this study firstly proposes the methods for calculating spatial similarity degree between an individual object (or an object group) at a larger scale and its generalized counterpart at a smaller scale, and forms formulae for calculating spatial similarity degree using change of map scale and vice versa. Based on the quantification methods of spatial similarity, potential use of spatial similarity as constraints in map generalization are given.