Data input is frequently the most costly and tedious phase of any GIS development project. Errors in designing the data entry strategy and methodology may eventually result in a complete failure of the GIS project. Regardless the strategy used, manual digitising of maps remains an error-prone, long and tedious activity. In spite of the technological evolution, map raster scanning and vectorisation can be successfully applied only to simple maps. When a complex map needs to be digitised, it may be convenient or feasible to do the following: -a) hand-redraft the map using a set of stable transparency sheets;  
-b) scan each sheet using an appropriate resolution;  
-c) vectorise each sheet using either automatic or semiautomatic algorithms; and  
-d) interactively/automatically label each vector feature.