A roadmap for generative mapping: unlocking the power of generative AI for map-making
It tackles the accessibility gap in map-making for the general public, though it is incremental as it builds on existing generative AI advancements.
This paper addresses the problem of map-making being inaccessible to non-experts by proposing a roadmap for developing a generative mapping system (GMS) using generative AI, aiming to make map creation more widely available.
Maps are broadly relevant across various fields, serving as valuable tools for presenting spatial phenomena and communicating spatial knowledge. However, map-making is still largely confined to those with expertise in GIS and cartography due to the specialized software and complex workflow involved, from data processing to visualization. While generative AI has recently demonstrated its remarkable capability in creating various types of content and its wide accessibility to the general public, its potential in generating maps is yet to be fully realized. This paper highlights the key applications of generative AI in map-making, summarizes recent advancements in generative AI, identifies the specific technologies required and the challenges of using current methods, and provides a roadmap for developing a generative mapping system (GMS) to make map-making more accessible.