generalization

Automate the Production and Updating of Maps at any Scale

When we developed the automated processes in axpand, we developed a breakthrough.

axpand technology allows for the completely automated derivation and updating of high-quality maps in any model at any scale. Current user results confirm that more than 80% of objects in given map scales require no manual editing, which reduces the amount of manual work during map production to an absolute minimum.

National Maps of Switzerland - Automated Production Using FME and axpand

Swiss national maps are high-quality topographic maps at 1:25000 to 1:1 000 000 scales. In order to satisfy the ever-increasing demand for vector GIS data, the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo is working on changes to their production process ranging from the compilation of topographic base data to the production of maps. Over the course of the past 10 years, swisstopo has launched a number of projects to enable this transition.

Maps from German AAA-DTK at 1:50'000 Scale

Automatic map production in 1:50'000 scale (German AAA model)      (See examples of the 1:10'000 and 1:25'000 scale here)

Automation of Map Production and Updating Processes - Why it Matters

Over the past several years, there has been a lot of discussion about why automation in cartography is important or whether or not it is even possible to automate important, recurring tasks in the production and updating of maps. The main reasons why a further exploration of automation in cartography makes sense is twofold: one, because it offers a possibility for timely and consistent creation and updating of map and data products in a landscape of rapid change and two, because it opens up the potential for new uses of location-based data and maps.

Axes Systems Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Highlights of Successes

Axes Systems, the leading innovator in the mapping world is celebrating its 20th anniversary and looks back on a long list of technical advances and achievements. Axes Systems and it’s core product “axpand” has seen widespread media and market attention including recognition as a top 20 “on demand” solution in German-speaking region. In 2009, Axes Systems was recognized as a Red Herring Global 100 technology company and a potential top 500 company listing in Switzerland.

Automatic Generalization up to 80% Correct

Contrary to common belief in the past, critical parts of the map production process, including cartographic generalization, can be automated to produce quality results. This saves valuable time and resources.

Automated Generalization - Case Study swisstopo

Read a case study about how axpand has over 75% correct automated generalization.

Automatic Generalization - a Case Study

swisstopo – The Customer

swisstopo is the competence center of the Swiss Confederation responsible for geographical reference data and all products derived from them. swisstopo’s National Map series enjoys international recognition.

Automated Generalization - examples

In all of the 1:10'000 and 1:25'000 examples here, German NAS data was imported into a German-specific AAA data model and automatically generalized. Text was placed automatically as a final step. In these examples, there was no manual intervention at any point. At this scale, building generalization, displacement and data thinning are especially important. Although the data and the model are specific to Germany, data in any model and scale can be automatically generalized.

Syndicate content