Despite the increased availability of high-resolution remotely sensed data and GPS data, map are still a dominant source for creating new GIS data. Digitizing , either manual digitizing or scanning, converts analog map to digital format. The accuracy of the digitized map can be only as good or as accurate as its source map.
A number of factors can affect the accuracy of the source map. Map such as USGS quadrangle maps are secondary data source because these maps have gone through the cartographic processes of compilation, generalization, and symbolization . Each of these processes can in turn affect the accuracy of the mapped data. For example, if the compilation of the source map contains errors, these errors will be passed on to the digital map.
Paper maps generally are not good source map for digitizing because they tend to shrink and expand with changes in temperature and humidity. In even worse scenarios, GIS users may use copies of paper maps or mosaics of paper map copies. Such source maps will not yield good results. Because of their plastic backing, Mylar maps are much more stable than paper maps for digitizing. The quality of line work on the source map will determine not only the accuracy of the digital map but also the operator’s time and effort in digitizing and editing. The line work should be thin, continuous, and uniform, as expected form inking or scribing –never use felt-tip markers to prepare the line work. Penciled source maps may be adequate for manual digitizing but are not recommended for scanning. Scanned files are binary data files,
Separating only the map feature form the background. Because the contrast between penciled lines and the background (i.e., surface of paper or Mylar) is not as sharp as inked lines, we may have to adjust the scanning parameters to increase the contrast.
But the adjustment often results in the scanning of erased lines and smudges, which should not be in the scanned file. For supplemental information on the source map, words or symbols can be drawn in orange color, which will not be scanned.