Acquiring spatial data for Geo information systems still is mainly done by human operators who analyze images using classical photogrammetric equipment or digitize maps, possibly assisted by some low level image processing. Automation of these tasks is difficult due to the complexity of the object, the topography, and the deficiency of current pattern recognition and image analysis tools for achieving a reliable transition from the data to the high level description of topographic objects. It appears that progress in automation only can be achieved by incorporating domain specific semantic models into the analysis procedures. The papers in this text combine theoretical and practical issues, and integrate aspects of photogrammetry, cartography, computer vision, and image understanding.
