Integer Programming Applied To The Map Label Placement Problem

Abstract

This paper describes a point label placement program that uses a mathematical optimization algorithm to determine the best position for each label. The program detects all label overplots, moves labels to new positions to resolve overplot problems, and deletes labels when absolutely necessary. All tasks are performed without human intervention. The program is designed for use in production mapping application in the oil industry where thousands of labels must be placed, and hundreds of label conflicts resolved on a single map in everyday operations. This function is performed accurately and efficiently by this program, independent of the number of labels involved. Based on success in this application, it is reasonable to consider the use of optimization techniques to help solve other problems in automated cartography, including label placement for linear features and the selection of features to be displayed on a map.