On the Fundamental Issues of Spatial Similarity Relations in Multi-scale Maps

Spatial similarity relations are put forward with the introduction of automated map generalization in the construction of multi-scale map databases.Then the definition of spatial similarity relations is presented based on set theory and the characteristics of spatial similarity are discussed in detail,including reflexivity,symmetry,non-transitivity,self-similarity in multi-scale spaces,and scale-dependence.Finally the classification systems for spatial similarity relations in multi-scale map spaces are discussed from the viewpoints of graphic similarity and attribute similarity.This research may be useful to automated map generalization and spatial similarity retrieval.