Regression modeling of reduction in spatial accuracy and detail for multiple geometric line simplification procedures

One of the important stages of map generalization is the selection of optimal simplification procedure for each spatial feature or feature type. Selected algorithms are then applied collaboratively to simplify the whole set of features. However, there is a lack of investigations that report a systematic approach of deriving a similar reduction in accuracy and detail by using different algorithms. In current paper we propose the solution to this problem on the basis of regression modeling between tolerance value of each algorithm and the value of some geometric measure which describes changes in accuracy and detail of the line. This allows fitting the regression model between tolerance values of the two selected algorithms which can be used to obtain similar simplification results. Regressions between Douglas-Peucker, Li-Openshaw and Visvalingam-Whyatt algorithm tolerance values are investigated. Application of methodology is illustrated on the example of three coastlines with significantly different spatial character. Results of the study show that regression coefficients depend highly both on the combination of the two algorithms, and on the character of the line. Finally, it is shown that a weighted combination of accuracy and detail regression models can be used to model the changes in level of detail of the line.