Vol.46-4 ABSTRACT1

Abstract

A PC (personal computer)-based Digital Atlas, which provides three-dimensional effects, has been developed utilizing GTOPO30 (Global 30 Arc Second Elevation Data) together with other various cartographic data. This software is designed to display the state of a whole country as well as detailed conditions of local areas conveniently giving some spatial effects.
At present, seven kinds of maps, i.e., planimetric, choropleth, relief, shading and anaglyphic shaded stereo maps, stereoscopic pairs and three-dimensional perspective views, can be displayed. Basic cartographic data such as roads and boundaries are displayed as a planimetric map and can be superimposed on all other maps. Statistical data on population, agriculture, etc., can be expressed as choropleth maps. Three-dimensional perspective views are displayed on an independent window whose size can be changed by users.
Users can designate detailed conditions of maps interactively. Therefore, it is possible to compile custom-made maps by changing map themes, items in base maps, color of figures, classification levels, and so on. By such compilation, users can get BMP files or output maps onto paper using printers.
Four kinds of geographic features, i.e., three dimensional position, distance along a designated p