ColorBrewer in Print: A Catalog of Color Schemes for Maps

ColorBrewer is a tool that assists mapmakers in choosing and creating color schemes. It is available online at <www.ColorBrewer.org>. The color schemes range from 3 to 12 classes and are organized into three basic categories: sequential, diverging, and qualitative. Each of these scheme types has general perceptual characteristics which are described using Munsell hue, value, and chroma specifications. Each scheme has been proofed from color-separated negatives and adjusted to offer CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) specifications that produce a readable map when they are used in process-printed publications. This paper offers a printed catalog of all of the ColorBrewer schemes to allow mapmakers to evaluate the appearance of each scheme before they commit to using them in print publications. Since process-color proofing is expensive, this catalog will reduce mapmakers' costs and allow them to be more confident that their maps will make the transition from the desktop computing environment to publication without compromising the intended message through poor color specification.     

ColorBrewer.org: An Online Tool for Selecting Colour Schemes for Maps

Abstract

Choosing effective colour schemes for thematic maps is surprisingly difficult. ColorBrewer is an online tool designed to take some of the guesswork out of this process by helping users select appropriate colour schemes for their specific mapping needs by considering: the number of data classes; the nature of their data (matched with sequential, diverging and qualitative schemes); and the end-use environment for the map (e.g., CRT, LCD, printed, projected, photocopied). ColorBrewer contains 'learn more' tutorials to help guide users, prompts them to test-drive colour schemes as both map and legend, and provides output in five colour specification systems.     

Sonic Maps for Hiking—Use of Sound in Enhancing the Map Use Experience

Abstract

title/>

The use of soundscapes on digital maps in order to enrich our experience of the map use has been recognized as a part of other multimedia components in several previous research projects. The study described in this paper was conducted as part of ongoing research projects aiming to develop mobile and web applications for outdoor activities. The research describes the aims of finding new kinds of ways of communicating spatial information, even to those who are visually impaired, and, in general, to provide map users with a profounder use experience. The paper reviews previous studies and describes the sonic map implementations accomplished to date. The implementation examples presented cover a hiking use case in a national park. Sonic maps can help the users to plan their hike in advance and further provide those who are not able to visit the park with a multimodal experience of the atmosphere. Finally, conclusions are given and possible improvements for the future are discussed.     

Scree Representation on Topographic Maps

Abstract

<title/>

Scree patterns are an important element of mountain maps in Swiss style. The size and density of scree dots vary with the exposition towards a source of illumination, which makes the dots extremely labour intensive to map without specialized algorithms. This paper identifies design principles for the symbolisation of scree fields on mountain slopes and presents a digital method for the quick placement of dot symbols requiring only minimal interventions by a cartographer. When digitally produced scree is combined with a shaded relief and a rock drawing, the terrain appears as a continuous three-dimensional surface to the reader. The described method is implemented in Scree Painter, a specialized free open-source software application. Scree patterns produced with Scree Painter match the quality standards of manually generated scree representations.     

实景哈尔滨的设计与实现

“实景哈尔滨”是将3维实景地图与电子地图结合的平台,以360°全景形式的地图平台,以独特风格为广大网民提供实景地图搜索服务,给人以身临其境的感觉。     

Evaluating the Efficiency of Typographic Design: Gender and Expertise Variation

Abstract

Although the efficiency of label placement algorithms has been studied extensively, few studies considered the influence of the label designs on the efficiency of map readers. Labels are one of the most important elements on the map as they can provide more information than other symbols can. The design of the labels does have to stress the theme, shape and functionality of the associated objects, which results in a more efficient interpretation of the map content by the user. How the label designs can enhance the map readers’ efficiency (and thus the quality of the maps themselves) is the main objective of this study. A user study was conducted in which the participants were asked to locate a target label on a map. Different label designs were implemented across the trials. The participants’ reactions times were registered to measure their efficiency and statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA. Two different users’ characteristics were considered: gender and expertise. Related to the size, shape, orientation and texture of the labels, a number of significant differences (P<0·05) and trends were located. Differences in efficiency between males and females, on the one hand, and between novices and experts, on the other hand, were also described statistically. Consequently, recommendations can be formulated regarding the design of labels in order to obtain more efficient maps, keeping in mind the map users’ characteristics.     

IndoorTubes A Novel Design for Indoor Maps

Efforts within cartography on indoor maps have previously not received a lot of attention. Work that has been carried out on indoor maps often focus on map design very similar to an architectural style (Klippel et al. 2006; Ciavarella and Paternò 2004). In some cases the design has been of a more novel character where approaches with augmented and virtual realities have been carried out (Radoczky 2007; Müller et al. 2006). Common to these approaches is the depiction of one floor per map. As well, the primary user task is often solely personal navigation. In this article I present an innovative approach to indoor maps. The design is directly inspired by underground tube maps first developed by Harry Beck (Garland 1994) and today a common design for public transport maps. The main advantages of the map design are its simplicity and the possibility of including all floors in one map view. This allows the map user to easier comprehend the structure of the building without using several maps, as commonly needed with today's indoor map designs. I present several different map styles each intended to satisfy different user groups and tasks depending on the user's familiarity with the environment. In addition the article motivate for new application areas suitable for indoor maps, especially large hospitals. I hypothesize that the design proposed in this article leans very well to displaying real-time dynamic geospatial information, such as patients, staff, equipment and room availability within hospitals. Due to the early phase of the work presented here I outline the needed further work and possibilities of technological platforms as well as evaluations necessary in order for the design to gain acceptance and success.     

An atlas of Northamptonshire the medieval and early-modern landscape

National Geographic Society (NGS) has made several changes throughout the years in their choice of map projection for their world reference maps. The Van der Crinten I map projection was used from 1922 to 1988. Then, in 1988, it was replaced by the Robinson projection. Beginning in 1998, the Winkel Tripel became the map projection of choice for NCS' world maps. Given this change, cartographers and others who make maps may be interested in using the Winkel Tripel for custom applications. The goal of this paper is to show how Winkel Tripel's complex projection equations can be programmed using Visual Basic. Those who use other languages such as C++ can use this programming example to help them create a similar algorithm in their language of choice.     

后现代哲学视野下的微地图

在现代到后现代社会的转变过程中, 人类的信息传播模式进入自媒体时代, 在地图上表现为制图用户向大众或地图爱好者转移, 地图的精确性不高、表达方式多样化。微地图是其中的一种, 旨在改善传统地图表达和大众地理空间认知的矛盾, 改进自媒体时代地图用户的主观信息表达, 突破传统地图仅从有限、规范化的角度和维度对地理事物和现象进行表达的局限。首先, 针对微地图的3个特点, 在后现代哲学的视角下分析其产生的原因并给予解释; 然后, 利用认知语言学的体验人本观、原型范畴论和去中心论等后现代哲学方法论, 对传统地图的空间认知、信息分类、制图表达等基础问题进行批判性分析和重构, 形成具有后现代哲学特点的微地图概念框架;最后, 通过实验验证了微地图存在的可能性及其后现代属性。     

Reasserting Design Relevance in Cartography: Some Examples

Abstract

While concepts and theories about design underpin the work of the professional cartographer, it is unrealistic for most map-makers to be cognisant of the plethora of techniques available to support excellence in design. In the second part of our paper to reassert the relevance of design in cartography, we present the results of a survey of cartographic experts drawn from the academic and professional world. The survey asked participants to present their top ten most expertly designed maps from throughout history. Here, we share the most frequently cited maps that emerged from that survey and describe why they exhibit design excellence. By showing map-makers a range of high-quality cartographic work, we aim to provide exemplars that demonstrate how design affects a map and expertly marries form with function. The techniques on display are well executed and create products that are both well suited to their purpose and have an aesthetic quality that invites people to take notice. They are all, in their own ways, beautiful examples of the art of design in cartography. We have deliberately avoided a ‘top ten’ approach and, instead, offer three examples in a range of map categories. The examples are neither definitive, nor exhaustive and should act as a starting point to explore design in cartography from those who have managed to set the bar high.     

Mapping for history: the influence of the 7th Field Survey Company’s 1917 operation maps on the historiography of the 3rd Battle of Gaza

ABSTRACT

During Palestine Campaign of World War I, the British Army’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force produced a series of operation maps to track and control the progress of their offensive into Palestine. These maps demonstrated innovation in both their form and function, and they have been referenced and reproduced by both map scholars and military historians ever since. Leaning on J.B. Harley and Matthew Edney’s ideas about critical map history, this essay provides a critical examination of these operation maps to illuminate the sociocultural context of their creation and examines the maps’ influence over the broader historiography of the Palestine Campaign. In doing so it highlights the interdisciplinary value of critical map histories.     

武警作战指挥自动化保障系统的设计与实现

介绍了“武警作战指挥自动化保障系统”的基本构成，主要包括：像素地形图处理、矢量图处理、自动化标图和略图处理。介绍了各子系统中的基本功能，并对一些技术难点进行了原理性阐述。     

SURVEY OF PALESTINE: THE FIRST TWENTY YEARS

Abstract

I suppose most of you look at a map nearly every day and I expect you know a good deal more about them after following the blitzkriege of armies in Europe—and Africa. My advice is, go on learning, for a map has become the means of picturing allsorts of things closely connected with our lives ; modern methods of reproduction have made maps so picturesque and useful that they should be companions to all those who take the trouble to understand them.     

Continuity markers as an aid for children in finding the peripheral continuity of world maps

ABSTRACT

Many map readers, including both children and adults, find it difficult to determine where they would be located along the edge of a world map after crossing that edge. Different types of markers have long been drawn close to the map’s edge – for example, in an atlas – to help map readers identify the map upon which they will find themselves if that edge is passed. In this study, a method similar to that used to show the continuity between maps in an atlas has been tested to determine whether continuity markers can also be used to help map readers find a world map’s actual peripheral continuity. The study involved children between the ages of 10 and 13 years and showed that continuity markers do help children determine the map’s actual peripheral continuity, in combination with a lesson that describes how to find the actual peripheral continuity of a world map. This article, therefore, concludes that continuity markers for world maps can be a useful part of map design that clarifies how the edges of a world map fit together for children who have learned to use this tool.     

认知科学与儿童地图设计

地图是地图设计编制者将地理空间信息、社会信息及相关资讯科学地获取、加工,进而设计表现为一种符合人们阅读思维的信息传播媒介。在这个将客观世界转化为地图并为读者所使用的信息传播过程中,认知心理起到至关重要的作用,既影响地图作者的设计理念;又影响地图读者的阅读理解。因此,研究、理解和掌握认知心理学原理是对地图作者的必然要求。本文在此基础上提出了儿童电子地图的设计原则与方法,旨在使地图作者利用认知科学的知识设计出更加易于儿童阅读的地图作品,进一步做好儿童的早期教育,从而提高人口素质。     

FORECASTING LOCATIONS OF POTENTIAL INFESTATIONS OF FOREST INSECT PESTS BASED ON REMOTELY SENSED DATA

The authors describe a methodology for the compilation of a final map from remote sensing imagery (that can be rapidly updated) showing the location of likely future sites of infestations of forest insect pests. A series of preliminary maps is compiled, with each stage of mapping providing information used in compiling a map in the subsequent stage, in this case wind damage $$ resistance to further damage $$ locations of potential centers of insect infestation. The design and informational content of maps at all stages in the process are described. Translated by Elliott B. Urdang, Providence, RI 02906 from: A. S. Isayev, V. I. Sukhikh, Ye. N. Kalashnikov et al., Aerokosmicheskiy monitoring lesov [Remote Sensing-Based Monitoring of Forests]. Moscow: Nauka, 1991, pp. 154-163.     

Geoinformatics as a tool for the assessment of the impact of ground water quality for irrigation on soil health

Secondary salinisation is the most harmful and extended phenomenon of the unfavourable effects of irrigation on the soil and environment. An attempt was made to study the impact of poor quality ground water on soils in terms of secondary salinisation and availability of soil nutrients in Faridkot district of Punjab of northern India. Based on physiographic analysis of IRS 1C LISS-III data and semi-detailed soil survey, the soil map was finalized on a 1:50,000 scale and digitized using Arc Info GIS. Georeferenced surface soil samples (0–0.15 m) from 231 sites were collected and analyzed for available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Interpolation by kriging produced digital spatial maps of available P and K. Ground water quality map was generated in GIS domain on the basis of EC (electrical conductivity) and RSC (residual sodium carbonate) of ground water samples collected from 374 georeferenced tube wells. Integration of soil and ground water quality maps enabled generating a map showing degree (high, moderate and low) and type (salinity, sodicity and both) of vulnerability to secondary salinization. Fine-textured soils have been found to be highly sensitive to secondary salinisation, whereas medium-textured soils as moderately sensitive to secondary salinisation. The resultant map was integrated with available P and K maps to show the combined influence of soil texture and ground water quality on available soil nutrients. The results show that available P and K in the soils of different physiographic units were found in the order of Ap1 < Ap2 < Ap3. The soils of all physiographic units had sizeable area having high content of P (>22.5 kg / ha) and medium available K (135–335 kg ha⁻¹) in most of the test sites when irrigated with saline, sodic or poor quality water.     

Value-by-alpha Maps: An Alternative Technique to the Cartogram

Abstract

<title/>

The cartogram, or value-by-area map, is a popular technique for cartographically representing social data. Such maps visually equalize a basemap before mapping a social variable by adjusting the size of each enumeration unit by a second, related variable. However, to scale the basemap units according to an equalizing variable, cartograms must distort the shape and/or topology of the original geography. Such compromises reduce the effectiveness of the visualisation for elemental and general map-reading tasks. Here we describe a new kind of representation, termed a value-by-alpha map, which visually equalizes the basemap by adjusting the alpha channel, rather than the size, of each enumeration unit. Although not without its own limitations, the value-by-alpha map is able to circumvent the compromise inherent to the cartogram form, perfectly equalizing the basemap while preserving both shape and topology.     

MAPIT: A Computer Program for Production of Flow Maps,Dot Maps and Graduated Symbol Maps

Abstract

This paper describes some results of an attempt to design and to write a general purpose computer program which can be used to produce quality maps of discrete data by the person who has had no training in computer programming. In the first section, the variety of the maps this program can produce is illustrated; in the second section, some of the principles involved in such map production are discussed; in the third section, the input arrangements for using the program are described and, finally, the role of such programs in teaching and research in the years ahead is discussed.     

智能化电子地图设计系统研究

随着电子地图的广泛应用,传统的地图设计理念发生了改变,用户开始介入地图设计,设计者与读图者成为一个人。那么如何辅助用户设计专业的地图是"智能化"的具体体现。本文在对"智能化"思考的基础上,详细分析了影响用户进行地图设计的各种因素,并从知识工程的角度出发,建立了问题的知识模型,在此基础上利用VC++开发了基于Windows XP系统上的智能化电子地图设计试验系统,并举例说明了问题。