Text Identification, Extraction, and Manipulation of Raster Map Images

1Digital map background displays would be easier to use if key text were rotated so that it is always read right side up regardless of the orientation of the map. This could be accomplished in a pure raster form, where the raster text is identified extracted, and rotated, by converting the raster text to ASCII and re-displaying the interpretted characters. Additional requirements include the ability to fill in the areas beneath the letterig with the proper background color and connect linear features interrupted by the lettering. A method is proposed for identifying, segmenting, and manipulating text from raster scanned maps. A work plan is also outlined fo revaluating the feasibility of incorporating the technology into existing digital map background displays.