Cartographic generalization

Key Characteristics of Cartographic Generalization:

• Reduces complexity of geographic features while maintaining their overall shape and function.
• Improves readability by emphasizing important features and eliminating unnecessary details.
• Adapts data to different map scales (small-scale maps require more generalization than large-scale maps).
• Ensures effective communication of spatial information.

Common Techniques of Cartographic Generalization:

1. Selection:

   • Choosing which features to display based on the map’s purpose and scale.
   • Example: A world map may show only major cities, omitting smaller towns.
      

2. Simplification:

   • Reducing the complexity of shapes while maintaining their general form.
   • Example: Straightening winding rivers to improve clarity at smaller scales.
      

3. Aggregation:

   • Combining multiple smaller features into a single, generalized representation.
   • Example: Merging small lakes into a larger water body on a small-scale map.
      

4. Amalgamation:

   • Grouping adjacent similar features into a single, larger entity.
   • Example: Representing clusters of small islands as one generalized island shape.
      

5. Displacement:

   • Shifting features slightly to prevent overlap while maintaining relative positions.
   • Example: Moving city labels slightly apart to avoid overlapping.
      

6. Exaggeration:

   • Enlarging small but significant features to make them more visible.
   • Example: Increasing the width of roads or rivers so they remain distinguishable at small scales.
      

7. Refinement:

   • Removing minor or less important details while keeping essential features intact.
   • Example: Eliminating small bends in coastlines that do not add meaningful detail.
      

8. Symbolization:

   • Using different visual styles (colors, patterns, or line styles) to enhance feature distinction.
   • Example: Bold lines for major highways and thin lines for local roads.