Automatic recognition and digitization of the features found in raster images of 2D topographic maps has a long research history. Very little such work has focused on creating and working with alternatives to the classic isoline-based topographic map.This thesis presents a system that generates 3D scenes from a 2D diagram format designed for user friendliness; with more geometric expressiveness and lower ink usage than classic topographic maps. This thesis explains the rationale for and the structure of the system, and the difficulties encountered in constructing it. It then describes a user study to evaluate the language and the usability of its various features, and draws future research directions from it.

Automatic recognition and digitization of the features found in raster images of 2D topographic maps has a long research history. Very little such work has focused on creating and working with alternatives to the classic isoline-based topographic map.This thesis presents a system that generates 3D scenes from a 2D diagram format designed for user friendliness; with more geometric expressiveness and lower ink usage than classic topographic maps. This thesis explains the rationale for and the structure of the system, and the difficulties encountered in constructing it. It then describes a user study to evaluate the language and the usability of its various features, and draws future research directions from it.