Automated Map Generalization in Mobile Geographical Information Systems

Mobile Geographical Information Systems (MOGIS) are applications capableof running on wireless devices. Two major hardware limitations havehindered the development of efficient MOGIS: (1) reduced screen sizesand (2) small memory capacities. An innovative approach that overcomesthese shortcomings is the utilization of map generalization. Mapgeneralization is a visualization and geospatial data reduction techniquethat emphasizes and suppresses information from digital maps in order torepresent a specific theme at reduced scales, while meeting specificcartographic specifications and maintaining the aesthetic quality ofthe geospatial data. The primary objective of the Phase I program is todemonstrate the feasibility of applying map generalization technologiestowards the development of MOGIS. NASA objectives are met by the creationof innovative visualization and geospatial presentation techniques for usein mobile computing. The results of the Phase I effort will be appliedto a Phase II project directed towards the implementation a MOGISprototype for personal digital assistants using map generalization technologies.