Automatic Transcription of Geographic Names: A Cartographic Implementation

Abstract

The importance of toponymy in cartography makes the relevant standardization issue indeed decisive. This is particularly the case in the so-called less spoken languages. The cartographic use of Greek characters is implemented only in two small countries (Greece and Cyprus), and this very fact is creating discomfort in practicing transcription of geographic names to Roman characters. The occasion of the 2004 Olympics in Greece has given the issue a new dimension. The transcription of Greek place names into Roman is gaining relevance also as far as the cartographic implementation is concerned. Here, a simple system for an effective automatic transcription has been developed, which can be used not only for cartographic purposes but also in general relevant text and graphical applications.