Generalization

Generalization tools allow cartographers to alter geographic feature placement and visualization parameters. Generalization is used when you need to derive small-scale maps from large-scale data. Large-scale maps cover a small physical area, whereas small-scale maps cover a larger physical area. Small-scale maps are usually rendered with less detail, and this process is known as generalization.

Generalization requires geoprocessing algorithms and problem solving, which are performed at the topology level before feature symbolization. Tools that can be applied to the most common generalization tasks are currently under way for the following:

• Simplify polygon.
  Removes small fluctuations and extraneous bends while preserving the essential feature shape

• Simplify building.
  Removes or simplifies building footprint boundaries while preserving the essential shape and size

• Aggregate polygon.
  Combines disjoint and adjacent polygons into new area features based on a specified tolerance distance

• Collapse dual lines to centerlines.
  Derives centerlines, or single lines, from dual-line features, such as road casings, based on a width tolerance

• Simplify line.
  Now includes an automatic tolerance reduction to prevent geometric errors while removing small fluctuations and extraneous bends

Using these tools with ModelBuilder will allow an automated environment for the cartographer.