Cartographic Generalization: Challenges and Potencialities

Abstract

Concepts and procedures related to the topic of cartographic generalization have evolved in recent decades. Originally, this process was applied in the analog context to ensure proper maintenance of cartographic visualization and communication. However, with the advancement of digital cartography, the paradigm is expanded, and, then, the process is applied from the conception of the cartographic product, that is, when it is desired to reduce a database to a necessary minimum while maintaining the relevant spatial properties. of the set. Computationally, the generalization rules are expressed through computational algorithms that include aspects of semantics and geometry, as well as requiring, in addition to objective formulations, subjective analyzes of difficult implementation and automation. In addition, the insertion of new technologies for the acquisition and processing of geospatial data produces new scientific gaps to be overcome. In this aspect, this work seeks, from bibliographic and bibliometric research, to identify how new technologies increase the challenges related to cartography generalization. It is observed that, despite the generalization operators being considered satisfactory, the number of publications on the subject is increasing and is of international interest. Furthermore, new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence algorithms, incrementally acquiring geospatial data, and building 3D representations introduce theoretical and practical complexities that must be overcome. Therefore, advances in cartographic generalization depend on the implementation of solutions related to the computational materialization of generalization operators in objective processes that allow an immediate understanding of the geometric and statistical relationship formed by a set of geospatial data.