Efficient digitizing through the combination of appropriate hardware and software for error detection and editing

Abstract

Digitizing still remains a major bottle-neck in the creation of geographical data bases. This paper examines procedures and equipment used in the Dane County Land Records Project as a tutorial for others interested in digitizing maps. Topological structure, determined from ‘spaghetti and meatballs’, detects the important errors and provides a basis for efficiency (in time and cost). For manual digitizing, a simple system of capture running on cheap hardware may be as effective as an expensive workstation. Scanning technology, which used to be expensive, has now become practical, as is shown by an experimental scanner used in this project.