Training an AI Solution for Geographic Data Mapping with Image Annotation for Water Features in Historical Maps

As the client was training an AI/ML solution for automated map analysis, The primary objective of the project was to provide high-quality, accurate annotations of water bodies in a large collection of historical map images. The client required-

• Image annotation services for precisely annotating rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in 1,200+ historical map images.
• Digital restoration to enhance faded and low-quality map images to facilitate clear and accurate annotation.

While the project had clear guidelines and requirements, our team faced several challenges due to the nature of the source material and the complexity of the project including:

• Diverse Cartographic Styles

  The historic maps provided by clients had varied cartographic styles. Some maps showed artistic interpretations of water bodies, while others were more technical, which complicated the annotation process.

• Old, Faded and Degraded Maps

  The image dataset received from the client had faded details due to ageing, discoloration, or wear, which made it challenging to identify water bodies accurately.

• Complex Water Systems

  Some maps contained intricate water systems with interconnected rivers, lakes, and coastal features, requiring careful attention to detail during annotation.

• Need for Manual Annotation

  Despite access to industry-leading annotation tools, we were required to perform manual annotation and verify images annotated by tool due to unclear images as inaccuracies would negatively affect the AI model's training process.