diff --git a/bindings/python/mapnik_line_symbolizer.cpp b/bindings/python/mapnik_line_symbolizer.cpp
index 2c36800b74..d8460c4c77 100644
--- a/bindings/python/mapnik_line_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/bindings/python/mapnik_line_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -48,6 +48,10 @@ void export_line_symbolizer()
                       (&line_symbolizer::get_stroke,
                        return_value_policy<reference_existing_object>()),
                       &line_symbolizer::set_stroke)
+        .add_property("simplify_tolerance",
+                      &line_symbolizer::simplify_tolerance,
+                      &line_symbolizer::set_simplify_tolerance,
+                      "simplification tolerance measure")
         .add_property("offset",
                       &line_symbolizer::offset,
                       &line_symbolizer::set_offset,
diff --git a/bindings/python/mapnik_polygon_symbolizer.cpp b/bindings/python/mapnik_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
index 218cf52792..b4d4d23e5e 100644
--- a/bindings/python/mapnik_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/bindings/python/mapnik_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -60,6 +60,10 @@ void export_polygon_symbolizer()
                       &polygon_symbolizer::smooth,
                       &polygon_symbolizer::set_smooth,
                       "Set/get the polygon geometry's smooth value")
+        .add_property("simplify_tolerance",
+                      &polygon_symbolizer::simplify_tolerance,
+                      &polygon_symbolizer::set_simplify_tolerance,
+                      "simplfication tolerance measure")
         ;
 
 }
diff --git a/include/mapnik/simplify.hpp b/include/mapnik/simplify.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f895229d87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/mapnik/simplify.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#ifndef MAPNIK_SIMPLIFY_HPP
+#define MAPNIK_SIMPLIFY_HPP
+
+#include <mapnik/debug.hpp>
+
+// Boost
+#include <boost/optional.hpp>
+
+namespace mapnik
+{
+
+enum simplify_algorithm_e
+{
+    radial_distance = 0,
+    douglas_peucker,
+    visvalingam_whyatt,
+    zhao_saalfeld
+};
+
+MAPNIK_DECL boost::optional<simplify_algorithm_e> simplify_algorithm_from_string(std::string const& name);
+MAPNIK_DECL boost::optional<std::string> simplify_algorithm_to_string(simplify_algorithm_e algorithm);
+
+}
+
+#endif // MAPNIK_SIMPLIFY_HPP
diff --git a/include/mapnik/simplify_converter.hpp b/include/mapnik/simplify_converter.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2476311d22
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/mapnik/simplify_converter.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,452 @@
+#ifndef MAPNIK_SIMPLIFY_CONVERTER_HPP
+#define MAPNIK_SIMPLIFY_CONVERTER_HPP
+
+#include <mapnik/debug.hpp>
+#include <mapnik/box2d.hpp>
+#include <mapnik/vertex.hpp>
+#include <mapnik/simplify.hpp>
+
+// STL
+#include <limits>
+#include <set>
+#include <vector>
+#include <deque>
+// Boost
+#include <boost/optional.hpp>
+
+namespace mapnik
+{
+
+struct weighted_vertex : private boost::noncopyable
+{
+    vertex2d coord;
+    double weight;
+    weighted_vertex *prev;
+    weighted_vertex *next;
+
+    weighted_vertex(vertex2d coord_) :
+        coord(coord_),
+        weight(std::numeric_limits<double>::infinity()),
+        prev(NULL),
+        next(NULL) {}
+
+    double nominalWeight()
+    {
+        if (prev == NULL || next == NULL || coord.cmd != SEG_LINETO) {
+            return std::numeric_limits<double>::infinity();
+        }
+        vertex2d const& A = prev->coord;
+        vertex2d const& B = next->coord;
+        vertex2d const& C = coord;
+        return std::abs((double)((A.x - C.x) * (B.y - A.y) - (A.x - B.x) * (C.y - A.y))) / 2.0;
+    }
+
+    struct ascending_sort
+    {
+        bool operator() (const weighted_vertex *a, const weighted_vertex *b)
+        {
+            return b->weight > a->weight;
+        }
+    };
+};
+
+struct sleeve
+{
+    vertex2d v[5];
+
+    sleeve(vertex2d const& v0, vertex2d const& v1, double offset)
+    {
+        double a = atan2((v1.y - v0.y), (v1.x - v0.x));
+        double dx = offset * cos(a);
+        double dy = offset * sin(a);
+        v[0].x = v0.x + dy;
+        v[0].y = v0.y - dx;
+        v[1].x = v0.x - dy;
+        v[1].y = v0.y + dx;
+        v[2].x = v1.x - dy;
+        v[2].y = v1.y + dx;
+        v[3].x = v1.x + dy;
+        v[3].y = v1.y - dx;
+        v[4].x = v0.x + dy;
+        v[4].y = v0.y - dx;
+    }
+
+    bool inside(vertex2d const& q)
+    {
+        bool inside=false;
+
+        for (unsigned i=0;i<4;++i)
+        {
+            if ((((v[i+1].y <= q.y) && (q.y < v[i].y)) ||
+                 ((v[i].y <= q.y) && (q.y < v[i+1].y))) &&
+                (q.x < (v[i].x - v[i+1].x) * (q.y - v[i+1].y)/ (v[i].y - v[i+1].y) + v[i+1].x))
+                inside=!inside;
+        }
+        return inside;
+    }
+    void print()
+    {
+        std::cerr << "LINESTRING("
+                  << v[0].x << " " << -v[0].y << ","
+                  << v[1].x << " " << -v[1].y << ","
+                  << v[2].x << " " << -v[2].y << ","
+                  << v[3].x << " " << -v[3].y << ","
+                  << v[0].x << " " << -v[0].y << ")" << std::endl;
+
+    }
+};
+
+template <typename Geometry>
+struct MAPNIK_DECL simplify_converter
+{
+public:
+    simplify_converter(Geometry& geom)
+        : geom_(geom),
+        tolerance_(0.0),
+        status_(initial),
+        algorithm_(radial_distance),
+        pos_(0)
+    {}
+
+    enum status
+    {
+        initial,
+        process,
+        closing,
+        end,
+        cache
+    };
+
+    simplify_algorithm_e get_simplify_algorithm()
+    {
+        return algorithm_;
+    }
+
+    void set_simplify_algorithm(simplify_algorithm_e value)
+    {
+        if (algorithm_ != value)
+        {
+            algorithm_ = value;
+            reset();
+        }
+    }
+
+    double get_simplify_tolerance()
+    {
+        return tolerance_;
+    }
+
+    void set_simplify_tolerance(double value)
+    {
+        if (tolerance_ != value) {
+            tolerance_ = value;
+            reset();
+        }
+    }
+
+    void reset()
+    {
+        geom_.rewind(0);
+        vertices_.clear();
+        status_ = initial;
+        pos_ = 0;
+    }
+
+    void rewind(unsigned int) const
+    {
+        pos_ = 0;
+    }
+
+    unsigned vertex(double* x, double* y)
+    {
+        if (tolerance_ == 0.0)
+            return geom_.vertex(x, y);
+
+        if (status_ == initial)
+            init_vertices();
+
+        return output_vertex(x, y);
+    }
+
+private:
+    unsigned output_vertex(double* x, double* y)
+    {
+        switch (algorithm_)
+        {
+        case visvalingam_whyatt:
+            return output_vertex_cached(x, y);
+        case radial_distance:
+            return output_vertex_distance(x, y);
+        case zhao_saalfeld:
+            return output_vertex_sleeve(x, y);
+        default:
+            throw std::runtime_error("simplification algorithm not yet implemented");
+        }
+
+        return SEG_END;
+    }
+
+    unsigned output_vertex_cached(double* x, double* y) {
+        if (pos_ >= vertices_.size())
+            return SEG_END;
+
+        previous_vertex_ = vertices_[pos_];
+        *x = previous_vertex_.x;
+        *y = previous_vertex_.y;
+        pos_++;
+        return previous_vertex_.cmd;
+    }
+
+    unsigned output_vertex_distance(double* x, double* y) {
+        if (status_ == closing) {
+            status_ = end;
+            return SEG_CLOSE;
+        }
+
+        vertex2d last(vertex2d::no_init);
+        vertex2d vtx(vertex2d::no_init);
+        while ((vtx.cmd = geom_.vertex(&vtx.x, &vtx.y)) != SEG_END)
+        {
+            if (vtx.cmd == SEG_LINETO) {
+                if (distance_to_previous(vtx) > tolerance_) {
+                    // Only output a vertex if it's far enough away from the previous
+                    break;
+                } else {
+                    last = vtx;
+                    // continue
+                }
+            } else if (vtx.cmd == SEG_CLOSE) {
+                if (last.cmd == vertex2d::no_init) {
+                    // The previous vertex was already output in the previous call.
+                    // We can now safely output SEG_CLOSE.
+                    status_ = end;
+                } else {
+                    // We eliminated the previous point because it was too close, but
+                    // we have to output it now anyway, since this is the end of the
+                    // vertex stream. Make sure that we output SEG_CLOSE in the next call.
+                    vtx = last;
+                    status_ = closing;
+                }
+                break;
+            } else if (vtx.cmd == SEG_MOVETO) {
+                break;
+            } else {
+                throw std::runtime_error("Unknown vertex command");
+            }
+        }
+
+        previous_vertex_ = vtx;
+        *x = vtx.x;
+        *y = vtx.y;
+        return vtx.cmd;
+    }
+
+    template <typename Iterator>
+    bool fit_sleeve(Iterator itr,Iterator end, vertex2d const& v)
+    {
+        sleeve s(*itr,v,tolerance_);
+        ++itr; // skip first vertex
+        for (; itr!=end; ++itr)
+        {
+            if (!s.inside(*itr))
+            {
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    unsigned output_vertex_sleeve(double* x, double* y)
+    {
+        vertex2d vtx(vertex2d::no_init);
+        std::size_t min_size = 1;
+        while ((vtx.cmd = geom_.vertex(&vtx.x, &vtx.y)) != SEG_END)
+        {
+            //if ((std::fabs(vtx.x - previous_vertex_.x) < 0.5) &&
+            //    (std::fabs(vtx.y - previous_vertex_.y) < 0.5))
+            //    continue;
+
+            if (status_ == cache &&
+                vertices_.size() >= min_size)
+                status_ = process;
+
+            previous_vertex_ = vtx;
+
+            if (vtx.cmd == SEG_MOVETO)
+            {
+                if (sleeve_cont_.size() > 1)
+                {
+                    vertices_.push_back(sleeve_cont_.back());
+                    sleeve_cont_.clear();
+                }
+                vertices_.push_back(vtx);
+                sleeve_cont_.push_back(vtx);
+                if (status_ == process) break;
+            }
+            else if (vtx.cmd == SEG_LINETO)
+            {
+                if (sleeve_cont_.size() > 1 && !fit_sleeve(sleeve_cont_.begin(), sleeve_cont_.end(), vtx))
+                {
+                    vertex2d last = vtx;
+                    vtx = sleeve_cont_.back();
+                    sleeve_cont_.clear();
+                    sleeve_cont_.push_back(vtx);
+                    sleeve_cont_.push_back(last);
+                    vertices_.push_back(vtx);
+                    if (status_ == process) break;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    sleeve_cont_.push_back(vtx);
+                }
+            }
+            else if (vtx.cmd == SEG_CLOSE)
+            {
+                if (sleeve_cont_.size() > 1)
+                {
+                    vertices_.push_back(sleeve_cont_.back());
+                    sleeve_cont_.clear();
+                }
+                vertices_.push_back(vtx);
+                if (status_ == process) break;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (status_ == cache)
+        {
+            if (vertices_.size() < min_size)
+                return SEG_END;
+            status_ = process;
+        }
+
+        if (vtx.cmd == SEG_END)
+        {
+            if (sleeve_cont_.size() > 1)
+            {
+                vertices_.push_back(sleeve_cont_.back());
+            }
+            sleeve_cont_.clear();
+            vertices_.push_back(vtx);
+        }
+
+        if (vertices_.size() > 0)
+        {
+            vertex2d v = vertices_.front();
+            vertices_.pop_front();
+            *x = v.x;
+            *y = v.y;
+            return v.cmd;
+        }
+        return SEG_END;
+    }
+
+    double distance_to_previous(vertex2d const& vtx) {
+        double dx = previous_vertex_.x - vtx.x;
+        double dy = previous_vertex_.y - vtx.y;
+        return dx * dx + dy * dy;
+    }
+
+    status init_vertices()
+    {
+        if (status_ != initial) // already initialized
+            return status_;
+
+        reset();
+
+        switch (algorithm_) {
+            case visvalingam_whyatt:
+                return init_vertices_visvalingam_whyatt();
+            case radial_distance:
+                // Use
+                vertices_.push_back(vertex2d(vertex2d::no_init));
+                return status_ = process;
+            case zhao_saalfeld:
+                return status_ = cache;
+            default:
+                throw std::runtime_error("simplification algorithm not yet implemented");
+        }
+    }
+
+    status init_vertices_visvalingam_whyatt()
+    {
+        typedef std::set<weighted_vertex *, weighted_vertex::ascending_sort> VertexSet;
+        typedef std::vector<weighted_vertex *> VertexList;
+
+        std::vector<weighted_vertex *> v_list;
+        vertex2d vtx(vertex2d::no_init);
+        while ((vtx.cmd = geom_.vertex(&vtx.x, &vtx.y)) != SEG_END)
+        {
+            v_list.push_back(new weighted_vertex(vtx));
+        }
+
+        if (v_list.empty()) {
+            return status_ = process;
+        }
+
+        // Connect the vertices in a linked list and insert them into the set.
+        VertexSet v;
+        for (VertexList::iterator i = v_list.begin(); i != v_list.end(); ++i)
+        {
+            (*i)->prev = i == v_list.begin() ? NULL : *(i - 1);
+            (*i)->next = i + 1 == v_list.end() ? NULL : *(i + 1);
+            (*i)->weight = (*i)->nominalWeight();
+            v.insert(*i);
+        }
+
+        // Use Visvalingam-Whyatt algorithm to calculate each point's weight.
+        while (v.size() > 0)
+        {
+            VertexSet::iterator lowest = v.begin();
+            weighted_vertex *removed = *lowest;
+            if (removed->weight >= tolerance_) {
+                break;
+            }
+
+            v.erase(lowest);
+
+            // Connect adjacent vertices with each other
+            if (removed->prev) removed->prev->next = removed->next;
+            if (removed->next) removed->next->prev = removed->prev;
+            // Adjust weight and reinsert prev/next to move them to their correct position.
+            if (removed->prev) {
+                v.erase(removed->prev);
+                removed->prev->weight = std::max(removed->weight, removed->prev->nominalWeight());
+                v.insert(removed->prev);
+            }
+            if (removed->next) {
+                v.erase(removed->next);
+                removed->next->weight = std::max(removed->weight, removed->next->nominalWeight());
+                v.insert(removed->next);
+            }
+        }
+
+        v.clear();
+
+        // Traverse the remaining list and insert them into the vertex cache.
+        for (VertexList::iterator i = v_list.begin(); i != v_list.end(); ++i)
+        {
+            if ((*i)->weight >= tolerance_)
+            {
+                vertices_.push_back((*i)->coord);
+            }
+            delete *i;
+        }
+
+        // Initialization finished.
+        return status_ = process;
+    }
+
+    Geometry&                       geom_;
+    double                          tolerance_;
+    status                          status_;
+    simplify_algorithm_e            algorithm_;
+    std::deque<vertex2d>            vertices_;
+    std::deque<vertex2d>            sleeve_cont_;
+    vertex2d                        previous_vertex_;
+    mutable size_t                  pos_;
+};
+
+
+}
+
+#endif // MAPNIK_SIMPLIFY_CONVERTER_HPP
diff --git a/include/mapnik/symbolizer.hpp b/include/mapnik/symbolizer.hpp
index 31ffb784c7..a4a051a271 100644
--- a/include/mapnik/symbolizer.hpp
+++ b/include/mapnik/symbolizer.hpp
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
 #include <mapnik/parse_path.hpp>
 #include <mapnik/image_compositing.hpp>
 #include <mapnik/transform_expression.hpp>
+#include <mapnik/simplify.hpp>
 
 // boost
 #include <boost/array.hpp>
@@ -55,12 +56,18 @@ class MAPNIK_DECL symbolizer_base
     std::string get_transform_string() const;
     void set_clip(bool clip);
     bool clip() const;
+    void set_simplify_algorithm(simplify_algorithm_e algorithm);
+    simplify_algorithm_e simplify_algorithm() const;
+    void set_simplify_tolerance(double simplify_tolerance);
+    double simplify_tolerance() const;
     void set_smooth(double smooth);
     double smooth() const;
 private:
     composite_mode_e comp_op_;
     transform_type affine_transform_;
     bool clip_;
+    simplify_algorithm_e simplify_algorithm_value_;
+    double simplify_tolerance_value_;
     double smooth_value_;
 };
 
diff --git a/include/mapnik/utils.hpp b/include/mapnik/utils.hpp
index 93c379c75b..73e68e5518 100644
--- a/include/mapnik/utils.hpp
+++ b/include/mapnik/utils.hpp
@@ -140,6 +140,7 @@ template <typename T,
             {
                 if (destroyed_)
                 {
+                    destroyed_ = false;
                     onDeadReference();
                 }
                 else
diff --git a/include/mapnik/vertex_converters.hpp b/include/mapnik/vertex_converters.hpp
index 936ffe7394..c49112d1fb 100644
--- a/include/mapnik/vertex_converters.hpp
+++ b/include/mapnik/vertex_converters.hpp
@@ -48,9 +48,9 @@
 #include <boost/array.hpp>
 
 // mapnik
-#include <mapnik/ctrans.hpp>
 #include <mapnik/agg_helpers.hpp>
 #include <mapnik/offset_converter.hpp>
+#include <mapnik/simplify_converter.hpp>
 
 // agg
 #include "agg_conv_clip_polygon.h"
@@ -60,12 +60,14 @@
 #include "agg_conv_dash.h"
 #include "agg_conv_transform.h"
 
+
 namespace mapnik {
 
 struct transform_tag {};
 struct clip_line_tag {};
 struct clip_poly_tag {};
 struct smooth_tag {};
+struct simplify_tag {};
 struct stroke_tag {};
 struct dash_tag {};
 struct affine_transform_tag {};
@@ -98,6 +100,19 @@ struct converter_traits<T,mapnik::smooth_tag>
     }
 };
 
+template <typename T>
+struct converter_traits<T,mapnik::simplify_tag>
+{
+    typedef T geometry_type;
+    typedef simplify_converter<geometry_type> conv_type;
+
+    template <typename Args>
+    static void setup(geometry_type & geom, Args const& args)
+    {
+        geom.set_simplify_algorithm(boost::fusion::at_c<2>(args).simplify_algorithm());
+        geom.set_simplify_tolerance(boost::fusion::at_c<2>(args).simplify_tolerance());
+    }
+};
 
 template <typename T>
 struct converter_traits<T, mapnik::clip_line_tag>
diff --git a/plugins/input/sqlite/sqlite_datasource.cpp b/plugins/input/sqlite/sqlite_datasource.cpp
index 1b769af530..f662efb2f9 100644
--- a/plugins/input/sqlite/sqlite_datasource.cpp
+++ b/plugins/input/sqlite/sqlite_datasource.cpp
@@ -524,7 +524,7 @@ boost::optional<mapnik::datasource::geometry_t> sqlite_datasource::get_geometry_
             if (data)
             {
                 boost::ptr_vector<mapnik::geometry_type> paths;
-                if (mapnik::geometry_utils::from_wkb(paths, data, size, mapnik::wkbAuto))
+                if (mapnik::geometry_utils::from_wkb(paths, data, size, format_))
                 {
                     mapnik::util::to_ds_type(paths,result);
                     if (result)
diff --git a/src/agg/process_line_pattern_symbolizer.cpp b/src/agg/process_line_pattern_symbolizer.cpp
index e10b408b69..e0177527e7 100644
--- a/src/agg/process_line_pattern_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/agg/process_line_pattern_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -109,13 +109,14 @@ void  agg_renderer<T>::process(line_pattern_symbolizer const& sym,
         clipping_extent.init(x0 - padding, y0 - padding, x1 + padding , y1 + padding);
     }
 
-    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_line_tag,transform_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
+    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_line_tag,transform_tag,simplify_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
     vertex_converter<box2d<double>, rasterizer_type, line_pattern_symbolizer,
                      CoordTransform, proj_transform, agg::trans_affine, conv_types>
         converter(clipping_extent,ras,sym,t_,prj_trans,tr,scale_factor_);
 
     if (sym.clip()) converter.set<clip_line_tag>(); //optional clip (default: true)
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); //always transform
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
     BOOST_FOREACH(geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
diff --git a/src/agg/process_line_symbolizer.cpp b/src/agg/process_line_symbolizer.cpp
index d6b05399d0..bf4fe88f95 100644
--- a/src/agg/process_line_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/agg/process_line_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ void agg_renderer<T>::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
     typedef agg::renderer_base<pixfmt_comp_type> renderer_base;
     typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_line_tag, transform_tag,
                                offset_transform_tag, affine_transform_tag,
-                               smooth_tag, dash_tag, stroke_tag> conv_types;
+                               simplify_tag, smooth_tag, dash_tag, stroke_tag> conv_types;
 
     pixfmt_comp_type pixf(buf);
     pixf.comp_op(static_cast<agg::comp_op_e>(sym.comp_op()));
@@ -121,6 +121,7 @@ void agg_renderer<T>::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
         converter.set<transform_tag>(); // always transform
         if (fabs(sym.offset()) > 0.0) converter.set<offset_transform_tag>(); // parallel offset
         converter.set<affine_transform_tag>(); // optional affine transform
+        if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
         if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
         BOOST_FOREACH( geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
@@ -141,6 +142,7 @@ void agg_renderer<T>::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
         converter.set<transform_tag>(); // always transform
         if (fabs(sym.offset()) > 0.0) converter.set<offset_transform_tag>(); // parallel offset
         converter.set<affine_transform_tag>(); // optional affine transform
+        if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
         if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
         if (stroke_.has_dash()) converter.set<dash_tag>();
         converter.set<stroke_tag>(); //always stroke
diff --git a/src/agg/process_polygon_pattern_symbolizer.cpp b/src/agg/process_polygon_pattern_symbolizer.cpp
index 5a3a64a8f4..6fbc8fbb48 100644
--- a/src/agg/process_polygon_pattern_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/agg/process_polygon_pattern_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -139,13 +139,14 @@ void agg_renderer<T>::process(polygon_pattern_symbolizer const& sym,
     agg::trans_affine tr;
     evaluate_transform(tr, feature, sym.get_transform());
 
-    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
+    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,simplify_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
     vertex_converter<box2d<double>, rasterizer, polygon_pattern_symbolizer,
                      CoordTransform, proj_transform, agg::trans_affine, conv_types>
         converter(query_extent_,*ras_ptr,sym,t_,prj_trans,tr,scale_factor_);
 
     if (prj_trans.equal() && sym.clip()) converter.set<clip_poly_tag>(); //optional clip (default: true)
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); //always transform
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
     BOOST_FOREACH( geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
diff --git a/src/agg/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp b/src/agg/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
index c2afcc115e..a0083df13d 100644
--- a/src/agg/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/agg/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ void agg_renderer<T>::process(polygon_symbolizer const& sym,
     agg::trans_affine tr;
     evaluate_transform(tr, feature, sym.get_transform());
 
-    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
+    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,simplify_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
     vertex_converter<box2d<double>, rasterizer, polygon_symbolizer,
                      CoordTransform, proj_transform, agg::trans_affine, conv_types>
         converter(query_extent_,*ras_ptr,sym,t_,prj_trans,tr,scale_factor_);
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ void agg_renderer<T>::process(polygon_symbolizer const& sym,
     if (prj_trans.equal() && sym.clip()) converter.set<clip_poly_tag>(); //optional clip (default: true)
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); //always transform
     converter.set<affine_transform_tag>();
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
     BOOST_FOREACH( geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
diff --git a/src/build.py b/src/build.py
index 40b9303524..ac7ecc1c0f 100644
--- a/src/build.py
+++ b/src/build.py
@@ -151,6 +151,7 @@ def ldconfig(*args,**kwargs):
     proj_transform.cpp
     distance.cpp
     scale_denominator.cpp
+    simplify.cpp
     memory_datasource.cpp
     stroke.cpp
     symbolizer.cpp
diff --git a/src/cairo_renderer.cpp b/src/cairo_renderer.cpp
index 614a2583be..0de3aea182 100644
--- a/src/cairo_renderer.cpp
+++ b/src/cairo_renderer.cpp
@@ -865,7 +865,7 @@ void cairo_renderer_base::process(polygon_symbolizer const& sym,
     agg::trans_affine tr;
     evaluate_transform(tr, feature, sym.get_transform());
 
-    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
+    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,simplify_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
     vertex_converter<box2d<double>, cairo_context, polygon_symbolizer,
                      CoordTransform, proj_transform, agg::trans_affine, conv_types>
         converter(query_extent_,context,sym,t_,prj_trans,tr,1.0);
@@ -873,6 +873,7 @@ void cairo_renderer_base::process(polygon_symbolizer const& sym,
     if (prj_trans.equal() && sym.clip()) converter.set<clip_poly_tag>(); //optional clip (default: true)
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); //always transform
     converter.set<affine_transform_tag>();
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
     BOOST_FOREACH( geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
@@ -989,7 +990,7 @@ void cairo_renderer_base::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
 {
     typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_line_tag, transform_tag,
                                offset_transform_tag, affine_transform_tag,
-                               smooth_tag, dash_tag, stroke_tag> conv_types;
+                               simplify_tag, smooth_tag, dash_tag, stroke_tag> conv_types;
     cairo_context context(context_);
     mapnik::stroke const& stroke_ = sym.get_stroke();
     context.set_operator(sym.comp_op());
@@ -1030,6 +1031,7 @@ void cairo_renderer_base::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); // always transform
     if (fabs(sym.offset()) > 0.0) converter.set<offset_transform_tag>(); // parallel offset
     converter.set<affine_transform_tag>(); // optional affine transform
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
     BOOST_FOREACH( geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
@@ -1386,7 +1388,7 @@ void cairo_renderer_base::process(polygon_pattern_symbolizer const& sym,
     agg::trans_affine tr;
     evaluate_transform(tr, feature, sym.get_transform());
 
-    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
+    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,simplify_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
     vertex_converter<box2d<double>, cairo_context, polygon_pattern_symbolizer,
                      CoordTransform, proj_transform, agg::trans_affine, conv_types>
         converter(query_extent_,context,sym,t_,prj_trans,tr, scale_factor_);
@@ -1394,6 +1396,7 @@ void cairo_renderer_base::process(polygon_pattern_symbolizer const& sym,
     if (prj_trans.equal() && sym.clip()) converter.set<clip_poly_tag>(); //optional clip (default: true)
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); //always transform
     converter.set<affine_transform_tag>();
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
     BOOST_FOREACH( geometry_type & geom, feature.paths())
diff --git a/src/grid/process_line_symbolizer.cpp b/src/grid/process_line_symbolizer.cpp
index f1ca1d590b..ec2e3ef6f6 100644
--- a/src/grid/process_line_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/grid/process_line_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ void grid_renderer<T>::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
     typedef agg::renderer_scanline_bin_solid<renderer_base> renderer_type;
     typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_line_tag, transform_tag,
                                offset_transform_tag, affine_transform_tag,
-                               smooth_tag, dash_tag, stroke_tag> conv_types;
+                               simplify_tag, smooth_tag, dash_tag, stroke_tag> conv_types;
     agg::scanline_bin sl;
 
     grid_rendering_buffer buf(pixmap_.raw_data(), width_, height_, width_);
@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@ void grid_renderer<T>::process(line_symbolizer const& sym,
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); // always transform
     if (fabs(sym.offset()) > 0.0) converter.set<offset_transform_tag>(); // parallel offset
     converter.set<affine_transform_tag>(); // optional affine transform
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
     if (stroke_.has_dash()) converter.set<dash_tag>();
     converter.set<stroke_tag>(); //always stroke
diff --git a/src/grid/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp b/src/grid/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
index 59d128b7e1..281c300d6f 100644
--- a/src/grid/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/grid/process_polygon_symbolizer.cpp
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ void grid_renderer<T>::process(polygon_symbolizer const& sym,
     agg::trans_affine tr;
     evaluate_transform(tr, feature, sym.get_transform());
 
-    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
+    typedef boost::mpl::vector<clip_poly_tag,transform_tag,affine_transform_tag,simplify_tag,smooth_tag> conv_types;
     vertex_converter<box2d<double>, grid_rasterizer, polygon_symbolizer,
                      CoordTransform, proj_transform, agg::trans_affine, conv_types>
         converter(query_extent_,*ras_ptr,sym,t_,prj_trans,tr,scale_factor_);
@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ void grid_renderer<T>::process(polygon_symbolizer const& sym,
     if (prj_trans.equal() && sym.clip()) converter.set<clip_poly_tag>(); //optional clip (default: true)
     converter.set<transform_tag>(); //always transform
     converter.set<affine_transform_tag>();
+    if (sym.simplify_tolerance() > 0.0) converter.set<simplify_tag>(); // optional simplify converter
     if (sym.smooth() > 0.0) converter.set<smooth_tag>(); // optional smooth converter
 
 
diff --git a/src/load_map.cpp b/src/load_map.cpp
index 018c077840..344793ef97 100644
--- a/src/load_map.cpp
+++ b/src/load_map.cpp
@@ -858,6 +858,25 @@ void map_parser::parse_symbolizer_base(symbolizer_base &sym, xml_node const &pt)
     optional<boolean> clip = pt.get_opt_attr<boolean>("clip");
     if (clip) sym.set_clip(*clip);
 
+    // simplify algorithm
+    optional<std::string> simplify_algorithm_name = pt.get_opt_attr<std::string>("simplify-algorithm");
+    if (simplify_algorithm_name)
+    {
+        optional<simplify_algorithm_e> simplify_algorithm = simplify_algorithm_from_string(*simplify_algorithm_name);
+        if (simplify_algorithm)
+        {
+            sym.set_simplify_algorithm(*simplify_algorithm);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw config_error("failed to parse simplify-algorithm: '" + *simplify_algorithm_name + "'");
+        }
+    }
+
+    // simplify value
+    optional<double> simplify_tolerance = pt.get_opt_attr<double>("simplify-tolerance");
+    if (simplify_tolerance) sym.set_simplify_tolerance(*simplify_tolerance);
+
     // smooth value
     optional<double> smooth = pt.get_opt_attr<double>("smooth");
     if (smooth) sym.set_smooth(*smooth);
diff --git a/src/save_map.cpp b/src/save_map.cpp
index dfc163a75e..7b90ce29b7 100644
--- a/src/save_map.cpp
+++ b/src/save_map.cpp
@@ -350,6 +350,14 @@ class serialize_symbolizer : public boost::static_visitor<>
         {
             set_attr( node, "clip", sym.clip() );
         }
+        if (sym.simplify_algorithm() != dfl.simplify_algorithm() || explicit_defaults_)
+        {
+            set_attr( node, "simplify-algorithm", *simplify_algorithm_to_string(sym.simplify_algorithm()) );
+        }
+        if (sym.simplify_tolerance() != dfl.simplify_tolerance() || explicit_defaults_)
+        {
+            set_attr( node, "simplify-tolerance", sym.simplify_tolerance() );
+        }
         if (sym.smooth() != dfl.smooth() || explicit_defaults_)
         {
             set_attr( node, "smooth", sym.smooth() );
diff --git a/src/simplify.cpp b/src/simplify.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f8e7e236c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/simplify.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+// mapnik
+#include <mapnik/simplify.hpp>
+
+// boost
+#include <boost/assign/list_of.hpp>
+#include <boost/bimap.hpp>
+
+namespace mapnik
+{
+
+typedef boost::bimap<simplify_algorithm_e, std::string> simplify_algorithm_lookup_type;
+static const simplify_algorithm_lookup_type simplify_lookup = boost::assign::list_of<simplify_algorithm_lookup_type::relation>
+    (radial_distance,"radial-distance")
+    (douglas_peucker,"douglas-peucker")
+    (visvalingam_whyatt,"visvalingam-whyatt")
+    (zhao_saalfeld,"zhao-saalfeld")
+    ;
+
+boost::optional<simplify_algorithm_e> simplify_algorithm_from_string(std::string const& name)
+{
+    boost::optional<simplify_algorithm_e> algo;
+    simplify_algorithm_lookup_type::right_const_iterator right_iter = simplify_lookup.right.find(name);
+    if (right_iter != simplify_lookup.right.end())
+    {
+        algo.reset(right_iter->second);
+    }
+    return algo;
+}
+
+boost::optional<std::string> simplify_algorithm_to_string(simplify_algorithm_e value)
+{
+    boost::optional<std::string> algo;
+    simplify_algorithm_lookup_type::left_const_iterator left_iter = simplify_lookup.left.find(value);
+    if (left_iter != simplify_lookup.left.end())
+    {
+        algo.reset(left_iter->second);
+    }
+    return algo;
+}
+
+}
diff --git a/src/symbolizer.cpp b/src/symbolizer.cpp
index 298c29abb6..2a876b4e88 100644
--- a/src/symbolizer.cpp
+++ b/src/symbolizer.cpp
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ void evaluate_transform(agg::trans_affine& tr, Feature const& feature,
 symbolizer_base::symbolizer_base()
     : comp_op_(src_over),
       clip_(true),
+      simplify_algorithm_value_(radial_distance),
+      simplify_tolerance_value_(0.0),
       smooth_value_(0.0)
 {
 }
@@ -53,6 +55,8 @@ symbolizer_base::symbolizer_base(symbolizer_base const& other)
     : comp_op_(other.comp_op_),
       affine_transform_(other.affine_transform_),
       clip_(other.clip_),
+      simplify_algorithm_value_(other.simplify_algorithm_value_),
+      simplify_tolerance_value_(other.simplify_tolerance_value_),
       smooth_value_(other.smooth_value_) {}
 
 void symbolizer_base::set_comp_op(composite_mode_e comp_op)
@@ -100,6 +104,26 @@ bool symbolizer_base::clip() const
     return clip_;
 }
 
+void symbolizer_base::set_simplify_algorithm(simplify_algorithm_e algo)
+{
+    simplify_algorithm_value_ = algo;
+}
+
+simplify_algorithm_e symbolizer_base::simplify_algorithm() const
+{
+    return simplify_algorithm_value_;
+}
+
+void symbolizer_base::set_simplify_tolerance(double simplify_tolerance)
+{
+    simplify_tolerance_value_ = simplify_tolerance;
+}
+
+double symbolizer_base::simplify_tolerance() const
+{
+    return simplify_tolerance_value_;
+}
+
 void symbolizer_base::set_smooth(double smooth)
 {
     smooth_value_ = smooth;