What is Generalisation?

The International Cartographic Association defines Cartographic Generalisation as "the selection and simplified representation of detail appropriate to the scale and/or the purpose of a map" (ICA 1967).

More generally, the objective of generalisation is to supply information on a content and detail level corresponding to the necessary information for correct geographical reasoning.

Generalisation inputs are :

Show the Effect of Generalisation on a Map.

Select the magnifying glass (black circle) with the mouse (continuous left click), and show the differences in level of detail between the basemap (1:250 000) and the magnifying glass (1:100 000).

Source: IKA; Topographic Maps of Switzerland (swisstopo)