Large scale road network generalization for vario-scale map

The classical approach for road network generalization consists of producing multiple maps, for a different scale or purpose, from a single detailed data source and quite often roads are represented by line objects. Our target is the generalization of a road network for the whole scale range from large scale, where roads are represented as area objects, to mid and small scales, where roads are represented as line objects. Crucial in our approach is that we use the specific data structure where for all map objects a range of valid map scales is stored. Instead of targeting predefined discrete map scales, we offer a whole range of map scales (where the process of map generalization was captured for). So far the structure has been used exclusively for area features. The exception to this was recent research where line feature (roads) have been included in the implementation for the first time. However, this was applied to smaller scales only. Therefore in this paper we will address the first part of the process, the generalization of large scale road objects, when (road) features change there representation from areal to linear segment. In our suggested gradual approach this representation change may happen at different ‘scale’ moments for individual roads (even of the same road element), in contrast to current practices. This is the first time ever that this aspect is discussed in more detail.