Abstract: An input apparatus for a computer-aided picture data base management system, which has an image input device that optically reads an original picture image, such as a map having objects drawn by closed loop lines, and produces its digital image. An object image pattern extracting unit executes a digital image processing to extract map objects from the image and produces vector data of a series of coordinate data streams that define the geometric shape of each extracted object. The vector data of the extracted objects are automatically affixed with identification labels. An image presentation device outputs a reference image including the extracted objects affixed with the identification labels and presents it to an operator.