Generalisation of Map Data

As a map is always at a smaller scale than the phenomena it represents, the elements it contains must be restricted by what can be presented graphically at map scale. This generalisation process is a powerful and absolutely necessary tool for the spatial data used nowadays in Cartography and in Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

However, although generalisation is fundamental, many different views about its scope and function have been expressed by many Institutions and Organisations.

Therefore, in this lesson you will discover a simple and synthetic view of the best known generalisation concepts, but also how generalisation works, and how to use it in your maps.