"Cartographic generalisation means the variety of modifications that can, and must, be made as a result of the reduction of information....at the same time increasing the effectiveness of the information communicated." (Robinson et al., 1978) The power of a GIS comes from the ability to relate different information in a spatial context and to reach a conclusion about this relationship. Most of the information available about our world contains a location reference, placing that information …showed first 75 words of 1643 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1643 total…issue then becomes one of do these objet descriptions fit the needs of the user at a local level?? Even though 80% of digital data is in the form of lines there should be more focus on other objects. The interaction between industry , national mapping agencies and academic institutions needs to be closer - allowing for the building of larger knowledge bases. Ultimately GIS and generalisation are about effectively communicating the appropraiate message to the user.