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emerges from the stereoplotting procedure with both, a magnetic tape (containing all topographic 
features with their respective coding x, y and z model coordinates) and a pencil manuscript. 
The pencil manuscript being a control, edit, and interpolation document used as an active 
aid by the stereo operator during the stereoplotting activity - once this activity is complete, the 
usefullness of that pencil manuscript is finished and it is then discarded (or filed away). The ma- 
gnetic tape (or facsimile) proceeds further through the mapping system, generally directly into 
the automatic drafting machine for digital editing and subsequent plotting procedures. 
Directly out of the semi-automated mapping system comes a 'picture'' of the terrain in 
both, digital and graphical (map) states ; the digital state being fully computer digestibel and not 
too human digestible while for the map in graphical state vice versa. 
  
1. A "map" in graphical state is fine for the traditional map user but is incredibly restraining to 
the new and emerging map user, i.e. the computer scientist, the data bankers, the statistitians, 
the multidisciplinary users involved with complex decision-making of "n' variables (where 'n' is 
many more than 8 or 10 - each factor having varying weights given different ''models''). 
From the semi-automated system the map user has available to him a ''picture' of the terrain 
in both graphical and digital states. The new emerging map users do not need to digitize or re-survey 
tha map as it already is computer digestible. 
  
2. The "old map' being up-dated at it's own scale in all probability represents a re-survey of the 
topographical features at that smaller scale. For most areas, as change or increased urbanization 
takes place, so central agencies map at larger and larger scales. Hence, should these larger scale 
maps be produced with "semi-automated methods'' - it is conceivable that the up-dating process for 
all maps at smaller and smaller scales be performed through computer generalization and manipu- 
lation. 
The following table shows a "Hierarchy of Data Bases'' which suggests that all mapping 
fit into "a total integrated mapping concept". 
HIERARCHY OF DATA BASES 
  
  
  
accuracy scale of mapping ratio of 
code (level) or levels of decision making resp. scales 
9 1:1 000 000 NTS + 
8 1:250 000 (Federal) 5 
7 1:50 000 5 
6 110-000 Engineering 4 
5 1:2 500 (1:2 400) | Scalcs 5 
4 1:500 (1:480) (Prov.) 
3 1:100 5 
2 1:20 5 
1 1:4 5 
0 1:1 4 
Hence : data base and data base file 
  
date base + info = data bank 
  
3. The semi-automated method offers to a high percentage of users an optimum 1970'ish solution 
to their mapping problems : 
- the user has available a picture of the terrain in both graphical and digital states - the gra- 
phical state being an optimum graphical map to best satisfy the majority of users : the digital 
state having inherent computer flexibility such that it is capable of computer manipulation to the 
scale, content, density, symbol, area, media and perspective as required by the user. 
- the system avails itself of the mini computer of the 1970’s. Definitely there is a mini computer 
revolution of the 70's whereby the capabilities of these computers are improving along with the avai- 
lability and number of systems ; at the same time the price is declining. Another technological de- 
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