Abstract: As an important characteristic of spatial cognition and a cognition result of graphic structure, pattern and distributing condition, shape plays a significant role in map generalization. Structural recognition of geographical features is essential in map generalization, which includes the analysis in distributing pattern and shape characteristic. Therefore, map generalization overall strategy could be established on the basis of the acquired distributing rule of geographical features and phenomena.Secondly, whereas a feature should be kept shape similarity in multi-scale representation, shape fidelity takes priority in generalization algorithm. Thirdly, shape similarity is an important index in map generalization evaluation. As an aspect in the field of cognition, shape recognition carries subjectivity and uncertainty. Therefore, shape analysis and recognition in map generalization is challanging and practical as well.