Assigning definite boundaries to a mountain range or massif is problematic. Discerning the shape of these discreet polygons is not a science. It is a best guess. There is no universal rule to help designate what is or is not a mountain. The fact that one range may retain several distinct names belies the trend that culture determines the naming and subsequent identification of a mountain range.
Mountains are the raised portions of the earth's surface.
The earth's surface is a continuous global coverage-it has no boundaries. However, to facilitate database integration, boundaries have been assigned to mountain regions. It is hoped that the polygonal mountain ranges in this GIS database will be recognizable across a broad spectrum of cultures and educational levels. Most polygons have been generalized to provide users with a familiar shape. In this way the GIS database is like a cartogram whose boundaries are generalized, but geographic orientation is preserved.