Road network selection for medium scales using an extended stroke-mesh combination algorithm

The road network is an essential feature class in topographic maps and databases. Road network selection for smaller scales forms a prerequisite for all other generalization operators and is thus a fundamental operation in the overall process of topographic map and database production. The objective of this paper was to develop an algorithm for automated road network selection from a large-scale (1: 10,000) to a medium-scale database (1: 50,000). The project was pursued in collaboration with swisstopo, the national mapping agency of Switzerland. Three algorithms (a stroke-based, a mesh-based, and a combined stroke-mesh algorithm) were implemented from the literature and analyzed using swisstopo's large-scale TLM3D spatial database, with requirements set forth by expert cartographers. Initial experiments showed that the combination algorithm performed best, yet still it could not meet all requirements. Therefore, extensions to the basic stroke-mesh algorithm were developed, significantly improving the selection result with real-world, large test databases. Three extensions introduce modifications to the stroke-mesh combination algorithm. Furthermore, two extensions include external feature classes, ensuring accessibility of points of interest and appropriate network density representation in settlement areas, respectively. The results were evaluated by expert cartographers, who concluded that the proposed approach is ready to be deployed in production at swisstopo.