This paper describes automated methods for generating and editing triangular meshes based on a heuristic approach. These algorithms yield a triangulation that allows the solution of the two dimensional semiconductor device equations very efficiently. Compared to commonly used concepts, our method delivers a smaller number of nodes combined with an excellent representation of the device geometry and an acceptable numeric quality of triangular elements. For this purpose, a priori known anisotropic solution behavior of the device equations at doping fronts, p-n junctions, and material interfaces is consequently exploited in generating the initial grid. Furthermore, appropriate tools for the refinement of the merged grids are presented.