Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (3): 381-389.doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2026.20250500

• New Theories and Methods of Cartography in the Digital and Intelligent Era •     Next Articles

Artificial intelligence empowering the digital-intelligent transformation of cartographic science

Jiayao WANG1,2,3(), Lin CHEN4, Shiyuan CHENG1,2,3(), Lijun WANG1,2,3, Siqi XIONG1,2,3   

  1. 1.College of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics Engineering, Faculty of Geographical Science and Engineering, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    2.State Key Laboratory of Spatial Datum, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    3.Henan Industrial Technology Academy of Spatiotemporal Big Data, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    4.Yellow River Conservancy Technical University, Kaifeng 475004, China
  • Received:2025-11-25 Revised:2026-03-04 Online:2026-04-16 Published:2026-04-16
  • Contact: Shiyuan CHENG E-mail:wjy@henu.edu.cn;shiyuan.cheng@henu.edu.cn
  • About author:WANG Jiayao (1936—), male, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, majors in cartographic theory, geographic information systems, gridded geographic information services, and the theories, technologies, and applications of spatio-temporal big data. E-mail: wjy@henu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    The National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A2014)

Abstract:

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a key frontier in national scientific and technological innovation, playing a crucial role in seizing the strategic high ground and strengthening China's competitive advantage in science and technology. Based on a systematic review of relevant literature, this paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of AI from multiple perspectives, including its developmental trends, technological innovation, empowering applications, security governance, and future prospects. The study argues that AI will propel the digital-intelligent transformation of cartographic science into a new stage of development. Specifically, the integration of AI with brain science or neuroscience will accelerate the deepening of fundamental theoretical research in the digital-intelligent transformation of cartographic science; recent advances in brain-inspired intelligence and neuromorphic computing provide strong technical support for addressing the “knowledge engineering” bottleneck in this transformation process; and the rapid progress of deep learning and generative AI opens up broader application spaces for intelligent cartographic production. Meanwhile, under the background of the rapid evolution and extensive penetration of AI technologies, the digital-intelligent development of cartographic science must continue to adhere to a “human-centered” philosophy, strengthening the deep integration and coordinated evolution between humans and AI. This is a strategic, long-term, and sustainable systematic endeavor that has already achieved phased results while containing tremendous developmental potential. In conclusion, the paper posits that cartographic science, standing at a new historical starting point, is poised to embrace a milestone stage of prosperity.

Key words: cartographic science, generative artificial intelligence, brain science, neuroscience, brain-inspired intelligence, deep learning, digital-intelligent transformation

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