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Main Authors: Kang, Yuhao, Wang, Chenglong
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.09028
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author Kang, Yuhao
Wang, Chenglong
author_facet Kang, Yuhao
Wang, Chenglong
contents Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), including large language models, diffusion-based image generation models, and GenAI agents, has provided new opportunities for advancements in mapping and cartography. Due to their characteristics including world knowledge and generalizability, artistic style and creativity, and multimodal integration, we envision that GenAI may benefit a variety of cartographic design decisions, from mapmaking (e.g., conceptualization, data preparation, map design, and map evaluation) to map use (such as map reading, interpretation, and analysis). This paper discusses several important topics regarding why and how GenAI benefits cartography with case studies including symbolization, map evaluation, and map reading. Despite its unprecedented potential, we identify key scenarios where GenAI may not be suitable, such as tasks that require a deep understanding of cartographic knowledge or prioritize precision and reliability. We also emphasize the need to consider ethical and social implications, such as concerns related to hallucination, reproducibility, bias, copyright, and explainability. This work lays the foundation for further exploration and provides a roadmap for future research at the intersection of GenAI and cartography.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2508_09028
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Envisioning Generative Artificial Intelligence in Cartography and Mapmaking
Kang, Yuhao
Wang, Chenglong
Human-Computer Interaction
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), including large language models, diffusion-based image generation models, and GenAI agents, has provided new opportunities for advancements in mapping and cartography. Due to their characteristics including world knowledge and generalizability, artistic style and creativity, and multimodal integration, we envision that GenAI may benefit a variety of cartographic design decisions, from mapmaking (e.g., conceptualization, data preparation, map design, and map evaluation) to map use (such as map reading, interpretation, and analysis). This paper discusses several important topics regarding why and how GenAI benefits cartography with case studies including symbolization, map evaluation, and map reading. Despite its unprecedented potential, we identify key scenarios where GenAI may not be suitable, such as tasks that require a deep understanding of cartographic knowledge or prioritize precision and reliability. We also emphasize the need to consider ethical and social implications, such as concerns related to hallucination, reproducibility, bias, copyright, and explainability. This work lays the foundation for further exploration and provides a roadmap for future research at the intersection of GenAI and cartography.
title Envisioning Generative Artificial Intelligence in Cartography and Mapmaking
topic Human-Computer Interaction
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.09028