Inconsistency Detection in Cross-Layer Tile Maps with Super-Pixel Segmentation

The consistency of geospatial data is of great significance for the application and updating of geographic information in web maps. Due to the multiple data sources and different temporal versions, the tile web maps usually meet the inconsistency question across different layers. This study tries to develop a method to detect this kind of inconsistency utilizing a raster-based scaling approach. Compared with vector-based handling, this method can be directly available for multi-level tile images in a pixel representation form. The proposed cross-layer raster tile map rendering method (CRTMRM) consists of four primary aspects: geographic object separation, consistency rendering rules, data scaling and derivation with super-pixel segmentation, and inconsistency detection. The scale transformation strategy with the super-pixel attempts to obtain a simplified representation. Taking the scale lifespan variation and geometric consistency rules into account, the inconsistency detection of tile maps is conducted between temporal versions, multi-sources, and different scales through actual and derived data overlay analysis. The experiment focuses on features of cross-layer water or vegetation areas with Level 9 to Level 14 in Baidu Maps, Amap, and Google Maps. This method is able to serve as a basis for massive unstructured web map data inconsistency detection and support intelligent web map rendering.