Automatic Digitizing

Automatic Digitizing Automatic Digitizing – computer-guided capture from a map image or source Computer uses algorithms to digitize features from source Often requires training the algorithm and manual cleaning of the resulting digitized data

Example: Automatic Digitization of Contour Lines from Contour Map

Step 1: Isolate Contour Lines

Step 2: Run Automatic Digitizer Initial Results of Automatic Digitization

Step 3: Cleanup Example Cleanup Task Connecting Disconnected Contours

Step 3: Cleanup Example Cleanup Task Connecting Disconnected Contours

Step 4: Assign Contour Line Values

Completed Contour Lines

Contour Lines on Top of Original Map

Manual vs. Automatic Digitizing Good for large projects No initial operator error Works well with large number of elements on map Expensive Requires manual editing Only translates, can not interpret Scanner errors Needs strongly contrasting colors to work well Manual Sufficiently accurate Lower initial capital Humans interpret better Short training period Map scale impacts accuracy Equipments impacts accuracy Operator impacts quality