IMPROVED MAP PRODUCTION METHOD

摘要

In a method of making a map, data collected by remote sensing, such as satellite image data (41), is processed (42) to provide an image of a selected region. Feature data representing geographical features within the selected region is digitised (43), compared (44) with the satellite image data and corrected for distortion. The satellite image data and the digitised feature data are then integrated (48) in such a way that each element of image data for which there is a corresponding element of feature data is modified to provide a new element of combined data, which, following the data integration step, incorporates information pertaining to features defined by the digitised feature data. A further integration stage (52) may provide for the incorporation of text data into the already integrated feature and image data. The text data may be provided by laying textual information out (49a) onto a locating substrate derived either from the image data or from the traced feature data (46) and then digitising it (51a), or by direct text input in electronic form (49b) and an associated textual information processing step (51b). The final output of the system is in the form of master separations (53) suitable for colour printing. Specific improvements effected by the method of the present invention include optimisation of image data to provide high quality visual appearance in the finished map and separation of feature data from image data by means of a superfine boundary zone introduced in the preparation of separations for the printing process.