ABSTRACT
Automation is of particular importance in the construction of thematic maps, especially those derived from extensive statistical data. A staff member of the Department of Geography, University of Michigan, examines the fundamental problems involved, and shows how standard computer facilities are being used. Automation, of course, is being investigated in relation to topographic mapping. The major efforts in this area seem to be directed toward the rapid preparation of topographic maps directly from aerial photographs. The types of manipulations applied to subject matter information before it is mapped also differ considerably from one field to another. The distinct procedures used to collect map-able information in different fields again complicate attempts at automation. Another approach is to look briefly at the general intellectual process involved in producing a map. This will be a greatly simplified outline of cartography but can be usefully examined for areas of potential automation.
