Cartographic Generalization in Digital Environment

Throughout the world numerous efforts to automate generalization are in progress. The results are yet to be satisfactory. Ample reasoning can be given to justify the lack of success, the most important being that generalization is an ambiguous process, highly subjective which lacks definitive rules, guidelines or systematization. This paper deals with the problem of generalization of vector data bases through the analysis of recent developments and research in the field. These developments tend to establish a promising framework which, with subsequent refinements and the utilization of state-of-the-art computer technology, may lead to successful results. What is needed is what lacks: Definitive rules in structuring the digital image of the world and development of expert systems which will intelligently manipulate this image