This paper presents a methodology developed for a study to evaluate the state of the art of automated map generalization in commercial software without applying any customization. The objectives of this study are to learn more about generic and specific requirements for automated map generalization, to show possibilities and limitations of commercial generalization software, and to identify areas for further research. The methodology had to consider all types of heterogeneity to guarantee independent testing and evaluation of available generalization solutions. The paper presents the two main steps of the methodology. The first step is the analysis of map requirements for automated generalization, which consisted of sourcing representative test cases, defining map specifications in generalization constraints, harmonizing constraints across the test cases, and analyzing the types of constraints that were defined. The second step of the methodology is the evaluation of generalized outputs. In this step, three evaluation methods were integrated to balance between human and machine evaluation and to expose possible inconsistencies. In the discussion the applied methodology is evaluated and areas for further research are identified.

National Mapping Agencies (NMAs) are still among the main end users of research into automated generalisation, which is transferred into their production lines via various means. This chapter includes contributions from seven NMAs, illustrating how automated generalisation is used in practice within their partly or fully automated databases and maps production lines, what results are currently being obtained and what further developments are on-going or planned. A contribution by the European Joint Research Center reports on the use of multiple representation and generalisation in the context of the implementation of the European INSPIRE directive. The chapter finishes with a synthesis of recent achievements, as well as future challenges that NMAs have begun to tackle.

ABSTRACT:Over the past ten years technologies for generating, maintaining and using 3D geo-information have matured. For national mapping agencies one of the challenges is how to best extend 2D data into 3D data, making best use of research results and available technologies. Some mapping organisations are making serious progress. The question addressed in this paper is how research results achieved in the past ten years are applied in practice and what research problems remain. In addition, the paper explores the potentials of the OGC 3D standard (i.e. CityGML) for 3D national mapping and what developments are further required to make the standard better fit for this purpose. The main conclusions of the paper are that 3D data is more and more available but still suffers from a low level of usage (mainly visualisation) and standards and formats based on CityGML have been stabilised although software support is still in the early stage. Several recommendations are made to meet these problems, including the definition of European CityGML profiles (as the INSPIRE Building profile) to harmonise 3D needs and standardise 3D implementations at international level.

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The strategic position of Catalonia in the Mediterranean region, straddling the route between central Europe and Africa, propelled the development of cartography from the Middle Ages onward. Because the territory is rugged, detailed mountain maps are an important part of the Catalonian cartographic legacy. The Cartoteca de Catalunya - the Catalan map library - has nice examples of old maps centred in mountain areas. Today, advanced technologies are being implemented by the Institut Cartogr fic de Catalunya to generate a wide range of cartographic products, including mountain maps. These old maps and the current cartographic products, preserved or produced at the Institut Cartogr fic de Catalunya, contribute interesting examples of mountain cartography to be offered in a publication focused on this topic. This paper is divided in two parts. The first - after a brief introduction describing the Catalan relief in order to locate the mountain areas in the territory - gives a historical overview of cartography in Catalonia, showing some examples of old maps. This overview is included in the context of mountain cartography because a large number of maps of Catalonia produced during the last two centuries were centred in mountain areas. This overview helps to explain the evolution of some mountain maps until the current production at the Institut Cartogr fic de Catalunya, which comprises the second part of the paper. Moreover, the thematic products related to mountain cartography - some series that include a large number of sheets of mountainous areas - will be also included in the paper. The paper is focused more on the presentation of mountain cartographic products than on a detailed description of the processes or the problems encountered in the production of each product. More detailed information about some of the products can be found on the Internet at http://www.icc.es.