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The purpose of the work was to conduct the analysis covering the area of Kozanów neighborhood before and after the occurrence of the commonly named “Millennium flood” in 1997. The scope of the work included the analysis of four time states presented on old maps from 1934, 1979 and 1997 and a fragment of the OpenStreetMap database (OSM) current for 2020. The research included quantitative analyses, consisting of comparing all feature classes among the analyzed time states, as well as qualitative analyses, relating to the detailed characteristics of the maps and the OSM database. In order to ensure the comparability of all types of land use, old maps were georeferenced, and then the data contained on the maps were vectorized, which allowed to obtain a universal vector database for all tested time states. This enabled the design of maps of the Kozanów neighborhood for individual years and maps of changes presenting quantitative changes by feature classes. The output maps show an increase in the area of buildings and length of roads as well as a decrease of green areas and wastelands. The results of the work allowed us to draw conclusions regarding the severe negative effects of the flood that occurred in this neighborhood and the evaluation of the use of the OSM database in such analyses.

Automated generalization is highly desired for effective map production. This research focuses on the initial stage of generalization, namely object selection. The study aims to conduct river network automatic selection based on map specifications contained in the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration regulation. The research covers river network selection from the General Geographic Objects Database from 1:250,000 to 1:500,000 detail level. Within the research scope, three selection variants were designed. The first was a basic variant that only included the implementation of the specifications contained in the regulation. The other two were experimental variants: an extended variant and an extended-modified variant with the parameters and data enrichment proposed by the authors. The extended variant has been supplemented with the Id_MPHP index usage, derived from the Map of Hydrographic Division of Poland (MPHP), which defines the hierarchy of watercourses in the river network. The extended-modified variant was implemented according to the guidelines of the regulation, with the use of the Id_MPHP index and additionally with the help of the parameter denoting “priority” watercourses, which was assigned by the authors. The results of the work constitute the generalization models designed in ArcMap 10.8. with the use of Model Builder functionality as well as the maps presenting the selection variants output visualizations. The results were compared visually as well as verified with the reference atlas map generalized by an experienced cartographer. As a result, the map specifications concerning the selection process presented in the regulation proved to be insufficient to generalize river networks properly. The variants proposed in this research made it possible to improve the selection results and enabled the automation of the river selection process. Additional specifications and parameters proposed in this work may constitute an essential supplement to the guidelines contained in the regulation.

The subject of the article is the assessment and comparison of the functionality of websites presenting flight data and the current location of aircraft on the map. The following websites were assessed: Flightradar24 (flightradar24.com), RadarBox24 (radarbox24.com), Flightaware (flightaware.com) and Plane-finder (planefinder.com). The credibility of the presented data and the range of functions available on the websites were analyzed in detail. A number of functions included in data sets were compared to the examined websites. Additionally, the possibilities of expanding the analyzed websites and extending the scope of their functions were determined. The issue of using data from air traffic data websites for scientific research was also examined.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of changes in urban development (including certain types of public buildings) and changes in the routes of Lviv’s tram lines over the last 80 years, related to the territorial and demographic development of the city. For this purpose, maps comparing these elements of urban infrastructure between 1932 and 2016 were developed. The analysis was carried out based on a plan of Lviv from 1932, contemporary vector data taken from OpenStreetMap, ArcGIS basemaps, Google Street View panoramic images, information contained in interwar Lviv guides, and supplementary information from other sources.

The complexity of a road network must be reduced after a scale change, so that the legibility of the map can be maintained. However, deciding whether to show a particular road section on the map is a very complex process. This process, called selection, constitutes the first step in a sequence of further generalization operations and it is a prerequisite to effective road network generalization. So far, not many comprehensive solutions have been developed for effective road selection specifically at small scales as the studies have mainly dealt with large-scale maps. The paper presents an experiment using machine learning (ML), specifically decision-tree-based (DT) models, to optimize the selection of the roads from 1:250,000 to 1:500,000 and 1:1,000,000 scales. The scope of this research covers designing and verifying road selection models on the example of three selected districts in Poland. The aim is to consider the problem of road generalization holistically, including numerous semantic, geometric, topological, and statistical road characteristics. The research resulted in a list of measurable road attributes that comprehensively describe the rank of a particular road section. The outcome also includes attribute weights, attribute correlation calculated for roads, and machine learning models designed for automatic road network selection. The performance of the machine learning models is very high and ranges from 80.94% to 91.23% for the 1:500,000 target scale and 98.21% to 99.86% for the 1:1,000,000 scale.

The presented research concerns the methodology for selecting settlements and road networks from 1:250 000 to 1:500 000 and 1:1 000 000 scales. The developed methodology is based on the provisions of the Regulation of the Ministry of Interior from 17 November 2011. The correctness of the generalization principles contained in the Regulation has not yet been verified. Thus this paper aims to fulfil this gap by evaluating map specifications concerning settlement and road network generalizations. The goal was to automate the selection process by using formalized cartographic knowledge. The selection operators and their parameters were developed and implemented in the form of a generalization model. The input data was the General Geographic Object Database (GGOD), whose detail level corresponds to 1:250 000 scale. The presented research is in line with works on the automation of GGOD generalization performed by the National Mapping Agency (NMA) in Poland (GUGiK). The paper makes the following contributions. First, the selection methodology contained in the Regulation was formalised and presented in the form of a knowledge base. Second, the models for the generalization process were developed. The developed methodology was evaluated by generalizing the settlements and roads in the test area. The results of the settlement and road network generalization for both 1:500 000 and 1:1 000 000 detail levels were compared with the maps designed manually by experienced cartographers.

The presented research concerning the landscape evolution of the area of the Kazimierski Landscape Park assumed the analysis of landscape changes that took place in the western part of the Nałęczów Plateau in eastern Poland as a result of increased anthropopressure. To achieve this goal, the diverse data was employed: archives of the “Archeological Survey of Poland” obtained from the National Heritage Board of Poland, the registry data from the 16th century made available as part of the “Atlas Fontium” project elaborated by the Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences, old map of the Western Galicia from 1808, a tactical map of the Military Geographical Institute in Warsaw from 1937, and the “Topographic Objects Database” (BDOT10k) obtained from the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography. Based on the analysed data, maps presenting the development of the settlement network from the moment of permanent settlement of the area up to the present state and maps showing the changes in land use in the Kazimierski Landscape Park over the last centuries have been designed. The results of historical and geographical analyses carried out as part of the research were compared with the results of geomorphological research conducted in the studied area. Verification of the obtained results allowed to determine the scope in which man influenced the evolution of the landscape of the analysed area, including its diversification depending on the historical period and the type of the economy. The process of georeferencing the map of Western Galicia elaborated by colonel A.M. von Heldensfeld from 1808 and the tactical map 1:100,000 of Military Geographical Institute from 1937 covering the research area (14,974 ha) was carried out in the ArcGIS Desktop software. The calibration process was evaluated in the Map Analyst program which makes it possible to analyze the distortions of old maps. Then, vectorization of selected terrain coverage classes and visualization of spatial data were conducted. This way, the land use maps were analyzed in terms of environmental changes that occurred over the past centuries by identifying the areas with the largest development changes. The obtained results were compared with the database of historical objects created for the purposes of this research, based on data provided by the National Heritage Board of Poland and the Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences in order to determine the development trends of the settlement network in the region. The additional statistical analysis made it possible to determine the trend of changes and to interpret the distribution of areas threatened by the occurrence of mass movements with the analyzed anthropogenic determinants.

Effective settlements generalization for small-scale maps is a complex and challenging task. Developing a consistent methodology for generalizing small-scale maps has not gained enough attention, as most of the research conducted so far has concerned large scales. In the study reported here, we want to fill this gap and explore settlement characteristics, named variables that can be decisive in settlement selection for small-scale maps. We propose 33 variables, both thematic and topological, which may be of importance in the selection process. To find essential variables and assess their weights and correlations, we use machine learning (ML) models, especially decision trees (DT) and decision trees supported by genetic algorithms (DT-GA). With the use of ML models, we automatically classify settlements as selected and omitted. As a result, in each tested case, we achieve automatic settlement selection, an improvement in comparison with the selection based on official national mapping agency (NMA) guidelines and closer to the results obtained in manual map generalization conducted by experienced cartographers.

The aim of this article is to show geomorphological mapping of remote Antarctic locations using images taken by a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. We mapped landform assemblages developed in forelands of Ecology Glacier (EGF), Sphinx Glacier (SGF) and Baranowski Glacier (BGF) in Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 128 (ASPA 128) on King George Island (South Shetland Islands) and inferred about glacial dynamics. The orthophoto and digital elevation model allowed for geomorphological mapping of glacial forelands, including (i) glacial depositional landforms, (ii) fluvial and fluvioglacial landforms, (iii) littoral and lacustrine landforms, (iv) bodies of water, and (v) other. The largest area is occupied by ground moraine and glacial lagoons on EGF and BGF. The most profound features of EGF are the large latero-frontal moraine ridges from Little Ice Age and the first half of the 20th century. Large areas of ground moraine, frequently fluted and marked with large recessional moraine ridges, dominate on SGF. A significant percentage of bedrock outcrops and end moraine complexes characterize BGF. The landform assemblages are typical for discontinuous fast ice flow of tidewater glaciers over a deformable bed. It is inferred that ice flow velocity decreased as a result of recession from the sea coast, resulting in a significant decrease in the length of ice cliffs and decrease in calving rate. Image acquisition during the fixed-wing UAV BVLOS operation proved to be a very robust technique in harsh polar conditions of King George Island.

Understanding the complex impacts of human settlement patterns on social and natural systems is critical for immediate and long-term policy decisions and ecosystem preservation. Land-use patterns can be conceptualized as a form of integrated natural-human system within urban regions. However, extant scholarship on urban development and sprawl often overlooks the institutional diversity which exists across countries and regions. Development and land-use are politically charged governance issues, and these studies have rarely examined the influences of local political institutions on land-use changes across countries and over time. To help build cumulative knowledge on such urban systems, this study examines landscape change in Poland, which has undergone significant institutional evolution since the fall of the Soviet Union. Drawing from the urban and social-ecological systems (SES) literatures, we estimate spatio-temporal models of the interactive effects of socio-economic and political variables on land-use intensity. Consistent with an SES approach, the analysis finds that characteristics of the institutional design of land-use regulation – local autonomy, the productivity of the resource, and the predictability of land-use dynamics – influence more-intensive landscape changes over the study period (2006–2018). Specifically, both the electoral stability of the mayor and wealth of the community have a positive interactive effect on the conversion of landscapes to more urban uses. Development is also influenced by spatial and temporal dependency, and the availability of European Union “cohesion” investments intended to address economic inequality and promote sustainable development. The findings advance our understanding of the complexity of urban land-use patterns and sustainability goals., This work was supported by the Polish National Science Center [2018/29/B/HS4/01183]. Antonio ´ Tavares acknowledges the financial support from the Research Center in Political Science (UIDB/CPO/00758/2020), University of Minho/University of Evora ´ supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science through national fun

This research presents the formalization and verification of the methodology for the automatic generalization of buildings, road networks, forests and surface waters from the Topographic Objects Da...

A photogrammetric flight was performed in December 2016 as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operation over Penguin Island (South Shetland Islands, Western Antarctica). Images were taken by the PW-ZOOM fixed-wing UAV equipped with a digital SLR Canon 700D camera. The flight was performed at 550 m ASL and covered a total distance of 231.58 km. The plane take-off and landing site was near the H. Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (Arctowski) on King George Island, South Shetlands. The main aim of the mission was to collect environmental data to estimate the size of penguin and pinniped breeding populations and to map vegetation cover and landforms. The plane returned to Arctowski with 1630 images of Penguin Island with the ground sample distance (GSD) lower than 0.07 m. The analysis of developed ortophoto allowed us to locate and identify individuals of two penguin species (Adelie and chinstrap), and individuals of two species of pinnipeds (Southern elephant seal and Weddell seal). Three types of tundra communities were mapped together with numerous landforms such as: volcanic, mass movement, fluvial, coastal and aeolian ones. The UAV BVLOS photogrammetric operation proved to be very robust in gathering valuable qualitative and quantitative data necessary for monitoring distant and isolated polar environments.

The paper presents a new method of georeferenced measurements of building objects with their simultaneous shape detection. The method is based on a robust adjustment of a linear network localised o...

Built-up area is a particularly important element of the content of topographic maps. Its presentation changes significantly when map scales are reduced, due to both conceptual and graphic generalization. What is more, historically, changes in the depiction of built-up area were consequences of changes in the intended use of topographic maps, development of technology and changes in the cultural landscape, of which the built-up area is an important component.1 The authors describe the method of presentation of built-up areas on six Polish topographic maps or series of maps. The above-mentioned maps include the following: – Topograficzna Karta Królestwa Polskiego (Topographic Map of the Polish Kingdom) at the scale of 1:126,000 developed in 1822–1843; – topographic maps of the Polish Military Geographical Institute (MGI) at the scales of 1:25,000 and 1:100,000, published in 1930s; – a series of military maps (or military-civilian maps) at the scales of 1:10,000, 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and 1:100,000, developed in 1956–1989, in accordance with the instruction for developing Soviet maps; – a series of civilian maps at the scales of 1:10,000, 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 developed after 1995. The basis for a quantitative comparison of the content of the maps was the number of categories of objects (identifications) which constitute part of built-up area and are presented on individual maps as symbols, as well as the number of characteristics represented by these symbols. These characteristics are divided into two basic types: functional characteristics and physiognomic characteristics. The analysis shows that military maps issued after the Second World War differ from the civilian maps, as they contain a much larger share of physiognomic characteristics, which is caused mainly from the fact that the vast majority of military maps distinguish between wooden and brick buildings. This difference was to large extent already noticeable among the oldest of the analysed maps – the Quartermaster’s Map and nineteenth-century Russian maps, which were partly modelled on the Quartermaster’s Map, and later also Soviet maps. Due to political reasons, the model of these Soviet maps was later adopted for the development of post-war Polish military maps. Out of all maps drawn up by military services, the inter-war MGI map serves special attention, as it was modelled on German maps. The main difference between military and civilian maps is foremost the fact that civilian maps include more functional characteristics of buildings and take into consideration new physiognomic characteristics related to residential development (compact, dense, multifamily dwellings, single family dwellings). The analysed maps include not only the characteristics of buildings and built-up area, but also information on the features of the town – population size, number of village houses and the administrative function.

Of the numerous applications of GIS, administration and public services count among the main fields of application. They are both the users and the owners of the largest amount of spatial data. Portals for higher authorities have been the subject of extensive discussions, but the development and possible use of GIS systems in the form of geoportals at local levels still seems to have been insufficiently discussed. This article presents the process of designing and developing a portal for the lowest authorities - local authorities and the local community. A small town in Poland, Sokółka, was assumed as the study area. The concept development was preceded by, among others: recognition of the needs of an administrative unit in conducting spatial policy; establishment of the objectives, functionalities and assumptions of the designed GIS; a SWOT analysis of the designed geoportal; and an analysis of data resources. Pilot implementation was completed with an evaluation of the geoportal encompassing various groups of potential users.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in the hydrographic network of Słowiński National Park. The authors analysed the changes occurring in the drainage network due to limited maintenance in this legally protected natural area. To accomplish this task, elaborations prepared on the basis of aerial photographs were used: an orthophoto map from 1996, hyperspectral imaging from June 2015, and a digital terrain model based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) from June 2015. These spatial data resources enabled the digitisation of the water courses for which selected hydro-morphological features had been defined. As a result of analysing the differences of these features, a quality map was elaborated which was then subjected to interpretation, and the identified changes were quantified in detail.

High-resolution aerial images allow detailed analyses of periglacial landforms, which is of particular importance in light of climate change and resulting changes in active layer thickness. The aim of this study is to show possibilities of using UAV-based photography to perform spatial analysis of periglacial landforms on the Demay Point peninsula, King George Island, and hence to supplement previous geomorphological studies of the South Shetland Islands. Photogrammetric flights were performed using a PW-ZOOM fixed-winged unmanned aircraft vehicle. Digital elevation models (DEM) and maps of slope and contour lines were prepared in ESRI ArcGIS 10.3 with the Spatial Analyst extension, and three-dimensional visualizations in ESRI ArcScene 10.3 software. Careful interpretation of orthophoto and DEM, allowed us to vectorize polygons of landforms, such as (i) solifluction landforms (solifluction sheets, tongues, and lobes); (ii) scarps, taluses, and a protalus rampart; (iii) patterned ground (hummocks, sorted circles, stripes, nets and labyrinths, and nonsorted nets and stripes); (iv) coastal landforms (cliffs and beaches); (v) landslides and mud flows; and (vi) stone fields and bedrock outcrops. We conclude that geomorphological studies based on commonly accessible aerial and satellite images can underestimate the spatial extent of periglacial landforms and result in incomplete inventories. The PW-ZOOM UAV is well suited to gather detailed geomorphological data and can be used in spatial analysis of periglacial landforms in the Western Antarctic Peninsula region.

The decision about removing or maintaining an object while changing detail level requires taking into account many features of the object itself and its surrounding. Automatic generalization is the optimal way to obtain maps at various scales, based on a single spatial database, storing up-to-date information with a high level of spatial accuracy. Researchers agree on the need for fully automating the generalization process (Stoter et al., 2016). Numerous research centres, cartographic agencies as well as commercial companies have undertaken successful attempts of implementing certain generalization solutions (Stoter et al., 2009, 2014, 2016; Regnauld, 2015; Burghardt et al., 2008; Chaundhry and Mackaness, 2008). Nevertheless, an effective and consistent methodology for generalizing small-scale maps has not gained enough attention so far, as most of the conducted research has focused on the acquisition of large-scale maps (Stoter et al., 2016). The presented research aims to fulfil this gap by exploring new variables, which are of the key importance in the automatic settlement selection process at small scales. Addressing this issue is an essential step to propose new algorithms for effective and automatic settlement selection that will contribute to enriching, the sparsely filled small-scale generalization toolbox.The main idea behind this research is using machine learning (ML) for the new variable exploration which can be important in the automatic settlement generalization in small-scales. For automation of the generalization process, cartographic knowledge has to be collected and formalized. So far, a few approaches based on the use of ML have already been proposed. One of the first attempts to determine generalization parameters with the use of ML was performed by Weibel et al. (1995). The learning material was the observation of cartographers manual work. Also, Mustière tried to identify the optimal sequence of the generalization operators for the roads using ML (1998). A different approach was presented by Sester (2000). The goal was to extract the cartographic knowledge from spatial data characteristics, especially from the attributes and geometric properties of objects, regularities and repetitive patterns that govern object selection with the use of decision trees. Lagrange et al. (2000), Balboa and López (2008) also used ML techniques, namely neural networks to generalize line objects. Recently, Sester et al. (2018) proposed the application of deep learning for the task of building generalization. As noticed by Sester et al. (2018), these ideas, although interesting, remained proofs of concepts only. Moreover, they concerned topographic databases and large-scale maps. Promising results of automatic settlement selection in small scales was reported by Karsznia and Weibel (2018). To improve the settlement selection process, they have used data enrichment and ML. Thanks to classification models based on the decision trees, they explored new variables that are decisive in the settlement selection process. However, they have also concluded that there is probably still more “deep knowledge” to be discovered, possibly linked to further variables that were not included in their research. Thus the motivation for this research is to fulfil this research gap and look for additional, essential variables governing settlement selection in small scales.

The recognition and preservation of the characteristic elements of visualization are one of the fundamental principles of map design, especially in map generalization. As underlined by numerous authors, the importance of preserving or even highlighting the context of the visualization constitutes one of the more significant challenges in cartographic generalization (Mackaness W. A., Ruas A., and Sarjakoski L. T., 2007; Burghardt D., Duchêne C., and Mackaness W. A., 2014). Cartographic generalization, which tailors a map and other graphics to the map’s purpose, detail level, as well as the intended audience’s requirements; is a difficult but necessary task for the map designer. Without careful and meaningful generalization, maps will not convey the essential patterns contained in the data (Maceachren and Ganter, 1990; Mackaness and Edwards, 2002; Zhang and Guilbert, 2016; Yu 2018).The research on cartographic generalization and pattern recognition concerning topographic maps is very rich. Since the 1960s, when the period of automated generalization began, the issues connected with pattern recognition and preservation were also being tackled from many aspects. These concerned point pattern preservation, including building typification (Regnauld 2001; Sester 2001; Ai and Liu 2002; Burghardt and Cecconi 2003; Yan and Weibel 2008; Yan and Li 2013; Bereuter and Weibel 2017; Yu 2018), line pattern recognition (Heinzle and Anders 2007; Yang B., Luan X., Li Q.,2010; Touya 2010; Wang 2012; Brewer et al. 2013; Shoman W., and Gülgen F., 2017), and polygon pattern analysis (Steiniger S., et al 2006; Atwood Williams and Wentz 2008; Sayidov and Weibel 2016).On the other hand, in thematic mapping, especially in choropleth map design, cartographic generalization and pattern recognition also play an important role as they help to preserve and convey spatial information (Maceachren 1982). The effectiveness with which thematic maps communicate spatial information is reflected in previous research (Maceachren 1982). It is often associated with map complexity, which is influenced by many factors, including the number of classes, the degree of autocorrelation present in the data, the choice of class intervals, and the shape and size of the enumeration units (Mersy 1990). Map complexity is related to spatial pattern recognition and is often ‘regarded as the visual intricacy of the spatial patterns formed by the map symbols’ (Mersy 1990: 15) which form specific patterns that are important to preserve in the thematic map generalization process.In thematic maps, generalization takes place when either the number of classes is decreased or the enumeration unit size is increased. While aspects related to optimal data classification methods and the number of classes have been extensively examined (Chang 1976; Chang 1977; Cox 1976; Dent 1999; Slocum et al. 2008; Cabello et al. 2010), the size of the enumeration unit as well as its influence on pattern recognition has not, so far, been the subject of in-depth empirical studies. Robinson (1984) notes that an enumeration unit which is too small in size in thematic map, results in a dispersed image and difficulty in perceiving characteristic elements in the data. A generalization level which is too small causes the image to be blurred and diffuse. As a result the user loses the picture of the whole, the context, and the characteristic elements of the structure – he or she is no longer able to see the relevant spatial patterns. At the same time, a generalization level which is too large, as expressed by the size of the enumeration unit in choropleth maps, also causes the characteristic elements in the data to be lost, as the visualization is too general. In both cases, a too strong simplification of the map pattern might result in the loss of valuable information for the map reader (Bregt and Wopereis 1990). Thus the enumeration unit size for thematic maps should be designed in such a way as to preserve specific global and local spatial patterns.The challenge, therefore, is to find the optimal generalization level whereby the spatial patterns present in the data are adequately transformed and can be distinguished by the user. Thus the research goal is an attempt to answer the question as to whether specific presentation methods, namely choropleth maps with particular enumeration unit sizes, result in a more effective recognition of the characteristic patterns or trends in data. We also want to answer the question: do users prefer methods which have specific enumeration unit sizes? The presented research aims to answer where the approximate limit may lie, expressed by the enumeration unit size after which the user loses the possibility of correctly and effectively exploring the spatial patterns presented on thematic maps.To answer this research question an empirical user study is being designed. In this study, we would like to investigate the effectiveness of conveying spatial patterns on choropleth maps using different enumeration unit sizes. Within the study, choropleth map variants will be compared to a symbol map presenting the phenomena in a discreet way. The symbol map being used as a reference for the choropleth maps can be treated as a presentation of the raw data. We will consider choropleth maps that have several hexagonal enumeration unit shape. Four enumeration unit sizes will be assessed. The users will be asked to evaluate the similarity of the choropleth map variants to the reference symbol map, and nominate their preferred map. An example of the stimuli to be presented to users is shown in Figure 1.The empirical study will be conducted with over 100 high school students. The main assumptions, as well as the preliminary results of the user study, will be discussed. Within the user study, among other tasks, two task types concerning map reading at both a general and a detailed reading level are being planned. One task type concerns map reading, especially the possibilities for conveying spatial patterns at a general reading level. The second task type will concern map comprehension at a detailed reading level. We believe it will allow us to verify which size of enumeration unit works better at a particular map reading level. We also want to explore which enumeration unit size works better for a particular task type. The assumptions will be verified based on the usability performance metrics: the correctness, the speed of the users’ responses as well as the users’ preferences.

The proposed method of optimal fitting of the existing lower-class leveling control networks to the modernized national higher-class networks is carried out in two stages. In the first stag...

Geographic information systems (GIS) and their tools support the process of real estate trading. Of key importance is the ability to visualise information about real estate in the form of maps of average real estate transaction prices. The following study presents a methodology for mapping average real estate transaction prices using GIS. The map development process comprised three main stages. In the first stage, the input data was processed and statistically analysed. Official data came from the Register of Real Estate Prices and Values, and open data from the National Register of Boundaries. The second stage involved the visualization of the data in the form of maps of average apartment prices using the cartographic methods of choropleth maps and diagrams. The commercial tool ArcMap 10.3 and the free Quantum GIS software were used in the design of the maps of average real estate transaction prices, to check the options for using these types of programs. As a result, eight maps were designed presenting the average transaction prices for residential properties in the Warsaw district of Ursynów in 2015. The final stage was the analysis of the designed maps. The influence of the selection of the reference units on the visualization content, and the impact of combining cartographic presentation methods on the complexity of the presentation of real estate information, were also analysed.

Proportional point symbols are commonly used in map displays. However, when such displays are zoomed out, the available map space shrinks and consequently symbols overlap and the display suffers from visual clutter. Therefore, solutions are needed to reduce visual clutter in zoomable map displays that contain proportional point symbols. The authors add to the body of knowledge through the investigation of the performance of three solutions: aggregation of unit areas, the displacement of overlapping symbols, and modified symbolization; four variations of modified symbolization are examined in detail. The original study begins with a consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions, with an emphasis on information loss. Thereafter, user sessions with 165 participants are arranged to gain empirical evidence of the performance of the solutions. The results reveal that although participants zoom out the map to zoom levels that implement visual clutter reduction techniques, they tend to zoom in the map and pan it to examine specific areas. Moreover, they willingly use the map with aggregated unit areas in cases when the solution facilitates task accomplishment. A certain amount of skepticism attaches to the solution that displaces overlapping symbols.

Acquiring and formalizing cartographic knowledge still is a challenge, especially when the generalization process concerns small-scale maps. We concentrate on the settlement selection process for small-scale maps, with the aim of rendering it more holistic, and making methodological contributions in four areas. First, we show how written specifications and rules can be validated against the actual published map products, thus pointing to gaps and potential improvements. Second, we use data enrichment based on supplementing information extracted from point-of-interest data in order to assign functional importance to particular settlements. Third, we use machine learning (ML) algorithms to infer additional rules from existing maps, thus making explicit the deep knowledge of cartographers and allowing to extend the cartographic rule set. And fourth, we show how the results of ML can be transformed into human-readable form for potential use in the guidelines of national mapping agencies. We use the case of settlement selection in the small-scale maps published by the Polish national mapping agency (GUGiK). However, we believe that the methods and findings of this paper can be adapted to other environments with minor modifications.

The paper covers one of the most important problems concerning context-sensitive settlement selection for the purpose of the small-scale maps. So far, no formal parameters for small-scale settlements generalization have been specified, hence the problem seems to be an important and innovative challenge. It is also crucial from the practical point of view as it is necessary to develop appropriate generalization algorithms for the purpose of the General Geographic Objects Database generalization which is the essential Spatial Data Infrastructure component in Poland.The author proposes and verifies quantitative generalization parameters for the purpose of the settlement selection process in small-scale maps. The selection of settlements was carried out in two research areas - in Lower Silesia and Łódź Province. Based on the conducted analysis appropriate contextual-sensitive settlements selection parameters have been defined. Particular effort has been made to develop a methodology of quantitative settlements selection which would be useful in the automation processes and that would make it possible to keep specifics of generalized objects unchanged.

Methodology for building spatio-temporal databases of settlement development and territorial divisions&nbsp