IDENTIFICATION OF CHARACTERISTIC POINTS ALONG NATURALLY OCCURRING LINES / AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Abstract

Cartographers and non-cartographers were sampled to determine which points along a given line are crucial in the generalization of that line at three levels (or degrees) of generalization. Statistical tests established the high degree of agreement existing within the two groups as well as between the two groups. The points selected by the sample groups are presented for each of the six lines used in the experiment. The results should prove useful to cartographers seeking to develop algorithms for automated cartography: (1) because six different types of naturally occurring lines were used, thus enabling the results to be more easily applied to problems encountered by cartographers, as well as enhancing the possibility for generalizing the results; (2) the types of points selected by the two sample' groups should provide valuable insights for establishing systematic criteria in line generalization; and (3) the results provide empirical data against which line generalization algorithms may be tested.Lors d'une enquete, des cartographes et des non-cartographes ont ete interroges afin de determiner quels sont les points, le long d'une ligne donnee, qui sont essentiels a la generalisation de cette ligne a trois niveaux (ou degres) de generalisation. Des tests statistiques ont permis d'etablir qu'il existait une forte concordance d'opinion parmi les membres d'un meme groupe et entre les groupes. Les points choisis par ces groupes ont ete presentes pour chacune des six lignes utilisees aux fins de l'experience. Les resultats devraient etre utiles aux cartographes qui desirent elaborer des algorithmes pour la cartographie automatisee: (1) parce que six genres differents de lignes naturelles ont ete utilises, facilitant ainsi l'application des resultats aux problemes rencontres par les cartographes, tout en ameliorant les possibilites de generaliser les resultats; (2) parce que les types de points choisis par les deux groupes devraient fournir un apercu valable pour l'elaboration des criteres systematiques de la generalisation des lignes; et (3) parce que les resultats fournissent des donnees empiriques qui permettent de verifier des algorithmes pour la generalisation des lignes.

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