Mathematical Morphology in Digital Generalization of Raster Map Data

This paper discusses the potential application of mathematical morphology techniques in digital generalization of raster map data. A review of existing generalization operators and morphological operators is conducted so that an insight into their relationships can then be made. The potential applications of morphological tools in digital map generalization of raster map data is discussed and problems associated with such an application are also identified. In particular, four application areas—elimination, combination, line simplification and displacement—are successfully demonstrated and the results show that morphological operators could be very important tools for generalisation purposes.