Virtual map store/cartographic processor

The present invention relates generally to computerized mapping systems and more particularly to a digital map system wherein a storage device stores generic digital map data, i.e., map data containing very little formatting information, and a cartographic processor generates maps utilizing the digital map data. The cartographic processor is capable of generating maps in a plurality of different formats, e.g., areas, sizes, features shown, resolutions, etc. A digital map system has a storage device for storing digital map data and a cartographic processor for generating maps utilizing digital map data from the storage device. The cartographic processor is configured to generate maps in a plurality of different formats.