An Orthodox Approach towards Automated Bilingual Name Placement

A name or label is an essential and important component of a map. Yet, its placement has always been considered as a most labour-intensive process in manual cartography. In Hong Kong, the process is further complicated by the presence of dual languages (English and Chinese) together. Conversion of 1:1000 analogue map sheets to digital data have been completed but text placement is still performed in an interactive mode. This paper provides some thoughts on establishing effective and appropriate algorithms for the full automation of name or label placement in both languages. Tested samples are drawn from the 1:1000 monochromatic digital topographic map sheets, with the Arc/Info coverages established by the Land Information Centre of the Lands Department. The project aims not only at increasing speed, but also at searching optimum map location, maintaining logical hierarchy and consistency.