A Transition in Improving Maps: The ColorBrewer Example

Many map makers seek to share their map design efforts by distributing styles, fonts, templates, software, tips, and other sorts of instructions. For example, <www.mapsymbols.com> offers links to a variety of symbol and font design efforts by mapmakers who use ESRI's GIS products. In this article, I will reflect on the format for offering map design assistance that I have used in ColorBrewer (Figure 1). ColorBrewer <www.ColorBrewer.org> is a web tool for selecting color schemes for thematic maps. It has elicited a trickle of enthusiastic e-mail from pleased users who tell me that their maps are improved, and they are relieved to save time on a design challenge for which they are not confident of their skills. ColorBrewer is described in detail in two papers (Harrower and Brewer, in press; Brewer et al. 2003). It is described briefly here to provide context for my reflections on a transition in cartography toward assisting people who want to represent their information spatially but who have little or no training in the conventions and principles of map design and data representation.     

基于地图空间认知的室内消防救援地图设计

室内地图可为消防救援提供有效的空间信息服务。探索面向消防救援的室内地图空间认知规律,使室内地图能够更好地描述特定的室内环境,更切合消防救援人员的认知需求;借鉴传统地图的空间认知过程,探讨了面向消防救援需求的室内地图空间认知过程,提出了3种不同消防救援空间认知视角的室内空间划分方法和基于空间认知的室内消防救援地图设计原则,为面向消防救援室内地图的制作与使用提供了理论支撑。     

Revisiting Web Cartography in the United States: the Rise of User-Centered Design

This paper reviews the recent development of web cartography based on Plewe's 2007 short paper in the U.S. National Report to the ICA, titled Web Cartography in the United States. By identifying major changes and recent research trends in web cartography, this paper provides an overview about what the web means to cartography, and suggests two major research directions for web cartography in the future: 1) the rise of user-centered design, including design of user interfaces, dynamic map content and mapping functions; 2) the release of the power of map-making to the public and amateur cartographers. I also present web cartography concepts in this paper to challenge the traditional research agenda in cartography.     

Measured and perceived visual complexity: a comparative study among three online map providers

We present a study on human perception of map complexity, with the objective of better understanding design decisions that may lead to undesirable levels of complexity in web maps. We compare three complexity metrics to human ratings of complexity obtained through a user survey. Specifically, we use two algorithmic approaches published by others, which measure feature congestion (FC) and subband entropy (SE), as well as our own approach of counting object types rather than individual objects. We compare these metrics with each other as well as with human complexity ratings for three maps of the same area from map providers Google Maps, Bing Maps, and OpenStreetMap. Each map design is assessed at three different scales (levels of detail). We find that (1) the FC and SE metrics appear to be adequate predictors of what humans consider complex; (2) object-type counts are slightly less successful at predicting human-rated complexity, implying that clutter is more important in perceived complexity than diversity of symbology; and (3) generalization choices do impact human complexity ratings. These findings contribute to our understanding of what makes a map complex, with implications for designing maps that are easy to use.     

A History and Analysis of Mapping Urban Expansion in the Kathmandu Valley,Nepal

Abstract

There have been numerous efforts over many years to map or delineate urban locations and features in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This study acquired 27 land useland cover maps for the Valley or the urban portions of the Valley. Those maps vary greatly in their mapping parameters. The objectives of this study were to first conduct a cartographic comparison of the differences in the creation and content of the maps and then do an analysis of the urban changes in the Valley based upon the maps. The maps for the Valley have differed in their source materials, the amount of field work involved, scale and minimum mapping units, classifications used, definitions of classes and coordinate systems. Source materials have included various scales and formats of aerial photography and different satellite systems. The most difficult issue in comparing the maps is the varied classification systems and definitions. The same feature will be classified differently from map to map. This is particularly an issue for institutional features such as temples, palaces, educational facilities, open public space and governmental sites. Definitions of residential areas are also not consistent. Even with the differences in mapping parameters, considerable useful information can be obtained by comparing these maps. These include a simply documentation of the urban extent and the generally resulting loss in agricultural lands. There was an increase in urban extent from 22 to 83km² between 1955 and 2000. Urban expansion has also changed from occurring on the upland river terraces or tars to the floodplains. Finally, while not directly documented in these maps, the tremendous pace of urban growth has resulted in multiple infrastructure and environmental challenges.     

Multiparametric Cartographic Visualisation of Glacier Rheology

Abstract

In cooperation between remote sensing experts and cartographers interested in glaciology, new types of maps showing the glacier dynamics have been developed. The maps make use of the original phase gradient approach to glacier rheology modelling based on repeat-pass ERTS SAR interferograms. Careful map design and, in particular, colour assignment allow the visualisation of the glacier dynamics in its locally changing velocity with an estimated accuracy of approximately 2.0 cm per day. Two map derivates – a differential interferogram showing the glacier velocity and another product displaying the glacier strain rate – have been designed. Moreover, maps displaying the glacier marginal changes within the space of four years have been generated. The strain rate maps evidence that spots with high values frequently correspond with crevasse-prone areas which are even detectable under thick layers of snow. In this sense, the latter visualisations can be seen as maps of crevasse danger zones. The Svartisen in Norway and the Hintereis Glacier in Austria served as testbeds for the development of these different types of maps which are at the scales of 1:25 000, 1:50 000 and 1:100 000.     

Contemporary Statistical Maps—Evidence of Spatial and Graphic Ignorance

Statistical maps are now produced in greater numbers and by persons in a wider range of disciplines than ever before. It is unfortunate that this increased production has not been accompanied by an improvement in map quality. All too frequently, contemporary mapmakers evidence a lack of understanding of the primary function of statistical maps, the symbolic language of mapping, and the effect that data manipulation plays in map communication. Coupled with these deficiencies there is a general lack of appreciation of the basic elements of graphic design. Furthermore, the expanded use of the computer in mapmaking seems to be related to and may even foster low quality since programmers are generally untutored in cartographic design and communication.     

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.     

Drawing metro maps in concentric circles: A designer-in-the-loop approach with visual examples

This article presents a proof-of-concept designer-in-the-loop schematic map drawing tool, based on the marriage of two approaches—manual and automated, which provides the technical interactivity of drawing tools between the user and the computer. We focus on concentric circle maps as opposed to the commonly used orthogonal mode representation, which is suggested by previous studies that it could promote better network learning. In comparison with existing methods, the proposed method is more compatible with the framework of effective map design from psychological and aesthetic perspectives, and a range of options can be provided in conjunction with users' preferences. We evaluated our approach on a set of iterations with case studies of Hong Kong metro with a group of three co-authors from the fields of geography, transport engineering, and education.     

Re-presenting the past: archaeology through text and image

Cognitive map-design research has the goal of understanding human cognition in order to improve the design and use of maps. As a systematic sub-discipline of cartography, cognitive map-design research is a phenomenon of the twentieth century, specifically the latter half. Robinson's The Look of Maps, published in 1952, played a seminal role in the genesis of cognitive map-design research in several countries, but it had interesting precursors. Empirical work that followed from The Look of Maps included psychophysical studies of graduated circles and studies of eye movements during map reading. Theoretical work that followed included a variety of cognitive theories but especially the development of the communication model as a comprehensive framework foi˙ scientific cartography. I chart the changing fortunes of cognitive map-design research after The Look of Maps and offer explanations for these changes. I also consider the legacy of cognitive map-design research—ways in which it has or has not mattered. I conclude with a list of questions suggested, but not decisively answered, by this exploratory essay.     

Changes in the methodology used in the production of the Spanish CORINE: Uncertainty analysis of the new maps

Since 2012 CORINE has been obtained in Spain from the generalization of a more detailed land cover map (SIOSE). This methodological change has meant the production of a new CORINE map, which is different from the existing ones. To analyze how different the new maps are from the previous ones, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the new methodology, we carried out a comparison of the CORINE obtained from both methods (traditional and generalization) for the year 2006. The new CORINE is more detailed and it is more coherent with the rest of Spanish Land Use Land Cover (LULC) maps. However, problems have been encountered with regard to the meaning of its classes, the fragmentation of patches and the complexity of its perimeters.     

寻路地图设计中相关问题研究

以郑州市街头的寻路地图为例,对其设计现状进行了分析,指出了这些地图的特点和其在设计上存在的不足之处。根据寻路地图的目的和用户的特殊性,制作了寻路地图样图,并就其在定向和路线选择等方面进行了试验,对实验结果进行了分析和研究。结果表明地图内容、参考方向和地图符号是影响用户定向和路线选择的主要因素。以此为基础,得出了寻路地图设计中应当遵循的一些规律。     

Investigating the Effectiveness of an Efficient Label Placement Method Using Eye Movement Data

Abstract

This paper focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dynamic and interactive maps in relation to the user. A label placement method with an improved algorithmic efficiency is presented. Since this algorithm has an influence on the actual placement of the name labels on the map, it is tested if this efficient algorithms also creates more effective maps: how well is the information processed by the user. We tested 30 participants while they were working on a dynamic and interactive map display. Their task was to locate geographical names on each of the presented maps. Their eye movements were registered together with the time at which a given label was found. The gathered data reveal no difference in the user’s response times, neither in the number and the duration of the fixations between both map designs. The results of this study show that the efficiency of label placement algorithms can be improved without disturbing the user’s cognitive map. Consequently, we created a more efficient map without affecting its effectiveness towards the user.     

Combining Usability Techniques to Design Geovisualization Tools for Epidemiology

Designing usable geovisualization tools is an emerging problem in GIScience software development. We are often satisfied that a new method provides an innovative window on our data, but functionality alone is insufficient assurance that a tool is applicable to a problem in situ. As extensions of the static methods they evolved from, geovisualization tools are bound to enable new knowledge creation. We have yet to learn how to adapt techniques from interaction designers and usability experts toward our tools in order to maximize this ability. This is especially challenging because there is limited existing guidance for the design of usable geovisualization tools. Their design requires knowledge about the context of work within which they will be used, and should involve user input at all stages, as is the practice in any human-centered design effort. Toward that goal, we have employed a wide range of techniques in the design of ESTAT, an exploratory geovisualization toolkit for epidemiology. These techniques include; verbal protocol analysis, card-sorting, focus groups, and an in-depth case study. This paper reports the design process and evaluation results from our experience with the ESTAT toolkit.     

浅谈基于ArcMap的制图符号设计与应用

随着互联网信息技术的飞速发展,电子化地图得到了广泛应用,高德地图、百度地图等互联网地图广泛应用于我们日常生活中,地图的美观性和设计感就决定了人们对它的第一印象。专题图作为一种集设计理念、空间信息于一体的地图产品,在很多场合中发挥着越来越大的作用。在制作专题地图中常常使用到的软件工具有ArcMap、CorelDRAW、Adobe Illustrator等,本文基于ArcMap进行专题图地图符号的设计,利用ArcMap专业地理信息的特性和强大的符号管理工具,对地图符号设计进行深入研究探索,发掘ArcMap对专题地图符号设计的潜力。     

面向室内地图多尺度表达的POI符号设计与实现

为了满足人们获取室内空间信息时多层次的认知需求,从室内空间的特点出发,以商城为例,对室内要素的分类分级体系进行梳理,在此基础上探讨兴趣点(point of inte-rest,POI)多尺度表达的符号模型;结合地图比例尺和用户需求设计了一套易于理解又能多层次表征要素信息的室内地图POI符号系统,并通过典型案例对其可行性进行制图实践检验。实践结果表明,所提出的多尺度POI符号化方案具有可行性,设计的符号集可以广泛运用到其他商城中,该思想可以运用于其他类型的室内地图。     

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。     

John Keates and Recreation Mapping: Personal Recollections

Abstract

John Keates is very well known for his numerous scholarly contributions to cartography as an academic discipline and science. However, throughout his career, he was also very actively involved in the design and production of maps. Mostly these were specialized thematic maps produced as the result of scientific research in the field sciences, especially in geology, glaciology and vegetation studies. However, during the 1970s he was much involved in the design and production of a considerable number of maps for recreation purposes, including maps for orienteering. Many of these maps were regarded at that time as being extremely innovative in terms of their cartographic design and layout. The article outlines the development of what became known as the 'Glasgow' style of map design John Keates' involvement with recreation maps in the 1970s.