Abstract

This paper presents a new approach to combining multi-representation databases with the generalization and update processes. It leads to a tightly integrated model which is a part of the existing cartographic GIS axpand. The approach is based on the mathematical concept of relations
and, in particular, on three different types of relations: horizontal (within one resolution), vertical
(between different resolutions), and update. Horizontal relations allow the representation of relationships
between features within one resolution. Examples are partitions, neighborhoods, and topology. The vertical relation represents the relationship between features of different resolutions. This originates from a generalization or matching process. The update relation describes temporal changes of features.
After a detailed theory about the relation types introduced, the paper continues with a discussion of
their similarities and differences, with a focus on implementation in a multi-representation database.
A prototype demonstrates the generalization of buildings and roads from vector data at 1: 25,000 to
1: 50,000 scales. The paper ends with conclusions and an outlook on further research tasks.