Abstract: We focus on how to automatically place annotation for hash area features and proposes a new method with reference to the compilation specifications for "cartographic symbols for national fundamental scale maps" and Gestalt psychology theory.At first,the candidate positions are generated with convex-grid Method.Then,they are evacuated with the Gestalt factors on the annotation.Finally,the global optimum location of annotation is determined by "conflict" rule.Utilizing the peripheral zone of features is a notable merit of this method.The method has been successfully used in producing topographic maps at 1∶50 000 scale.