ABSTRACT
The simplicial data structure (SDS) can be used directly to perform several types of operations necessary for automatic generalization, e.g. automatic overlap detection, displacement, merging, enlargement and skeletonization. The detection of spatial conflict can be performed by comparing the actual geometry of the objects on the map with the stored topology in the SDS. The system can be implemented initially with a small number of context frames, recognizers and generalization operators and, because of the independent nature of the context frames, can be developed by adding new contexts. If the generalization of a context fails (perhaps because it causes too much spatial conflict) then the context would be deferred until a later time. The simplicial data structure offers distinct advantages to a map generalization system it provides an explicit topological representation that overcomes the problems inherent in Euclidean geometry and the relationships between adjacent objects are easily identifiable.
