Context

NGI’s topographic maps at medium and small scales are produced by generalising large-scale reference data. Cartographic generalisation means simplifying the map content while retaining essential information, depending on the purpose and scale of the new map.

The Cartography Department develops geoprocessing tools using Python and ArcGIS Pro to automatically generalise geographical reference data at a scale of 1:10,000 for the production of cartographic data at a scale of 1:25,000.

This mainly involves the processing of geographical data: identification of objects to be processed based on their properties (type, size, shape, location in relation to other objects, etc.), adjustments to geometry or attributes, and displacement of objects.

The ArcGIS Pro software includes a set of geoprocessing tools that are very useful for automatic generalisation, but these tools are not sufficient to perform all the operations required by our specifications. The Python scripts developed bij NGI use these tools and complement them.

Job purpose

The result of the automatic generalisation is not yet good enough to be used in production without manual correction of the generated data. A list of necessary improvements to the existing Python scripts is available. The aim of the work is to improve automatic data processing in order to avoid manual corrections.

Tasks

• You develop or improve Python scripts according to production requirements.
• You test these scripts on a validation dataset.
• You document the scripts.
• During team meetings, you communicate your progress and any problems you have encountered, and you make suggestions to help solve other team members’ problems.

Duration of the assignment – Remote working

The assignment will start with a trial period of two months. If the collaboration is successful, the anticipated duration of the assignment is 12-14 months (until the end of 2026).

After an orientation period to familiarize yourself with the team and the technical context of the assignment, working remotely is possible for up to 3/5 of the working days.