Scale-Dependent Point Selection Methods for Web Maps

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

In cartographic generalization, the selection is an often-used method to adjust information density in a map. This paper deals with methods for selecting point features for a specific scale with numerical attributes, such as population, elevation, or visitors. With the Label Grid approach and the method of Functional Importance, two existing approaches are described, which have not been published in the scientific literature so far. They are explained and illustrated in the method chapter for better understanding. Furthermore, a new approach based on the Discrete Isolation measure is introduced. It combines the spatial position and the attribute's value and is defined as the minimum distance to the nearest point with a higher value. All described selection methods are implemented and made available as Plugins named “Point selection algorithms” for QGIS. Based on this implementation, the three methods are compared regarding runtime, parameterization, legibility, and generalization degree. Finally, recommendations are given on which data and use cases the approaches are suitable. We see digital maps with multiple scales as the main application of those methods. The possibilities of labeling the selected points are not considered within the scope of this work.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)143-154
Number of pages12
JournalKN - Journal of cartography and geographic information : an official journal of DGfK, SGK and ÖKK
Volume71
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-2949-4887/work/141545089
Scopus 85112197491
Mendeley c46fb691-8cfe-3070-b884-31a106e82931

Keywords

Keywords

  • Analysis, Generalization, LBSM, Selection, VGI, Web mapping