Image processing and map production systems

A map is prepared from a satellite image defined by digital data by integrating the image data with a digitised representation of geographical features within the map area and with text data defining textual material to appear in the finished product. This integration of data includes comparing each element of image data with an element or elements of feature data and replacing or modifying the element of image data as required to incorporate any feature or features defined by the element of feature data, and comparing the resulting combined image and feature data element with an element or elements of text data and replacing or modifying the combined data element as required to incorporate textual material defined by the element of text data. This integration of data may also include modification of the elements of integrated data in boundary regions surrounding features or text to provide a "burned-in" appearance in the finished product, as distinct from the appearance provided by overlay printing.