The sequential effects of geometric operators in cartographic line generalization

Research in numerical cartographic generalization has focused on object-based (vector) and location-based (raster) methodologies. This paper reviews methods developed for the generalization of linear data in a vector format and explores the effects of applying these operators in different sequences. Six basic operators are identified, including simplification, displacement, smoothing, enhancement, merging, and omission. In a truly holistic approach to numerical generalization, it will become increasingly necessary to view these generalization operators as a complex interrelated package of techniques, not as isolated independent algorithms. -from Authors