Web-based map generalization tools put to the test: A jabc workflow

Abstract

Geometric generalization is a fundamental concept in the digital mapping process. An increasing amount of spatial data is provided on the web as well as a range of tools to process it. This jABC workflow is used for the automatic testing of web-based generalization services like mapshaper.org by executing its functionality, overlaying both datasets before and after the transformation and displaying them visually in a.tif file. Mostly Web Services and command line tools are used to build an environment where ESRI shapefiles can be uploaded, processed through a chosen generalization service and finally visualized in Irfanview.