The effect of cartographic generalization on the fractal dimension of geographic lines is investigated. Fractal dimension of lines represented at various map scales is measured using an empirical approach. It is found that line dimensionality is altered through the process of generalization, an indication that some of the basic generic features which determine the geomorphology of a line are being distorted. The preservation of fractal dimension is proposed as a guiding standard for future implementation of generalization algorithms in automated cartography.