A generation method for virtual hypermedia maps by applying co-existence rules

In this paper, we will discuss a map synthesis system which handles static information (geographic objects) as well as dynamic information (traffic co nditions, weather? etc.). In addition to geographic thesauruses used in the previous systems, we will use co-existence relationships to improve the qu ality of maps generation. The system is considered to be general purpose (n ot restricted to car navigation nor travel maps) and can generate arbitrary maps according to the user's specification. It is very difficult for a use r to specify a query which corresponds to the required map, because map des cription is not easy. The system should automatically generate missing info rmation or find errors in the user specification. For the purpose we use ge ographic domain thesauruses which contain aggregation and other geographic relationships as well as conventional thesaurus hierarchy. In this paper, w e will discuss to use co-existence relationships to enhance ability to sele ct geographic objects automatically. Co-existence specifies relationships a mong geographic objects which should appear in a map together although they may not have geographic relationship by thesauruses. By utilizing co-exist ence relationships, a user can acquire much more understandable maps.