Cognitive and Usability Issues in Geovisualization

We provide a research agenda for the International Cartographic Association's Commission on Visualization and Virtual Environment Working Group on Cognitive and Usability Issues in Geovisualization. Developments in hardware and software have led to (and will continue to stimulate) numerous novel methods for visualizing geospatial data. It is our belief that these novel methods will be of little use if they are not developed within a theoretical cognitive framework and iteratively tested using usability engineering principles. We argue that cognitive and usability issues should be considered in the context of six major research themes: 1) geospatial virtual environments (GeoVEs); 2) dynamic representations (including animated and interactive maps); 3) metaphors and schemata in user interface design; 4) individual and group differences; 5) collaborative geovisualization; and 6) evaluating the effectiveness of geovisualization methods. A key point underlying our use of theoretical cognitive principles is that traditional cognitive theory for static two-dimensional maps may not be applicable to interactive three-dimensional immersive GeoVEs and dynamic representations—thus new cognitive theory may need to be developed. Usability engineering extends beyond the traditional cartographic practice of "user testing" by evaluating software effectiveness throughout a lifecycle (including design, development, and deployment). Applying usability engineering to geovisualization, however, may be problematic because of the novelty of geovisualization and the associated difficulty of defining the nature of users and their tasks. Tackling the research themes is likely to require an interdisciplinary effort involving geographic information scientists, cognitive scientists, usability engineers, computer scientists, and others.     

基于GIS的虚拟景观平台设计与实现

针对传统地理信息系统技术体系的局限,提出了集成地理信息系统、虚拟现实技术,以"图、文、数、声"一体化形式,向公众直观、形象、简洁、有趣地呈现了景观真实环境、多种交互方式和身临其境的用户体验,实现了动态3D场景展示和人机互动的虚拟景观平台,提升了地理信息系统的应用服务水平。研究结果为虚拟景观建设提供了可借鉴的技术手段,促进了地理信息技术和虚拟现实技术的结合。     

Using Eye-tracking and Mouse Metrics to Test Usability of Web Mapping Navigation

The growth of web-based mapping is transforming geovisualization. Use of web mapping has become ubiquitous throughout much of the world and has sparked greater public interest in GIS and mapping. Despite the rapid growth of web mapping, there has been relatively little study of the design and usability of web maps. Moreover, the design and function of popular web mapping programs are sometimes at odds with standard GIS and cartographic practices for even the simplest of functions such as zooming into a feature of interest. This study advances understanding of web mapping design via web usability testing based on mouse metrics and eye tracking technology to assess the utility of four different web map navigation schemes: pan zoom; double clicking; zoom by rectangle; and wheel zoom. We found significant differences among the various interfaces, with marked preference for the standard GIS approach of rectangle zoom, followed closely by wheel zoom. Far fewer users preferred the web mapping standard of pan zoom or click zoom. In addition to finding significant differences in usability among these approaches, this work illustrates the broader utility of usability testing and eye tracking technology for creating a better web mapping experience for users.     

Geovisualization illustrated

In recent years, the visualization of geospatial data has undergone dramatic and important developments. Next to static maps, nowadays, immersive and highly interactive virtual environments can be used to explore and present dynamic geospatial data. Additionally, the World Wide Web has developed into a prominent medium to disseminate geospatial data and maps. In visualizing geospatial data, methods and techniques from fields, such as scientific visualization and information visualization, are applied because of the large volumes of data at hand. This has accumulated in what is known as geovisualization—the use of visual geospatial displays to explore data and through that exploration to generate hypotheses, develop problem solutions and construct knowledge. Maps and other linked graphics play a key role in this process. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of geovisualization and, in particular, how alternative graphic representations can stimulate the visual thought process. This is demonstrated by applying geovisualization techniques to Minard's well-known map of Napoleon's 1812 campaign into Russia, the “Carte figurative des pertes successives en hommes de l'Armee Française dans la campagne de Russie 1812–1813” (http://www.itc.nl/personal/kraak/1812/).     

Integrated approach of using remote sensing and GIS to study watershed prioritization and productivity

Soil data obtained from soil resource inventory, land and climate were derived from the remote sensing satellite data (Landsat TM, bands 1 to 7) and were integrated in GIS environment to obtain the soil erosion loss using USLE model for the watershed area. The priorities of different sub-watershed areas for soil conservation measures were identified. Land productivity index was also used as a measure for land evaluation. Different soil and land attribute maps were generated in GIS, and R,K,LS,C and P factor maps were derived. By integrating these soil erosion map was generated. The mapping units, found not suitable for agriculture production, were delineated and mapped as non-arable land. The area suitable for agricultural production was carved out for imparting the productivity analysis; the land suitable for raising agricultural crops was delineated into different mapping units as productivity ratings good, fair, moderate and poor. The analysis performed using remote sensing and GIS helped to generate the attribute maps with more accuracy and the ability of integrating these in GIS environment provided the ease to get the required kind of analysis. Conventional methods of land evaluation procedures in terms of either soil erosion or productivity are found not comparable with the out put generated by using remote sensing and GIS as the limitations in generating the attribute maps and their integration. The results obtained in this case study show the use of different kinds of data derived from different sources in land evaluation appraisals.     

基于3D产品制作三维地形数据模型

随着GIS和3D打印技术的革新与进步,打印三维地形图已具备可行的条件。基于已有的3D产品(DLG、DOM、DEM),使用现有的专业GIS软件,可以快速地制作三维地形图数据模型,配以色彩丰富、样式美观的三维地图符号,即可输出3D打印格式的三维地形数据模型,并选择合适的打印材料和打印机进行制作,可以丰富测绘产品的形式,促进3D打印地形图产业的迅速发展。     

面向"人"的地学可视化探讨

面向"人"地学可视化中的"人".主要从地学可视化系统的使用者(简称"应用人"),从地学可视化要表达的地球表层系统地理环境中的社会人(简称"社会人").以及从作为能地理认知与思维、能表达/传递地理知识及知识创新的"人"(简称"知识人")3个方面定义.从上述3个方面建立了面向"人"的地学可视化概念框架.在面向"应用人"方面,主要介绍了协同可视化以及自我参照可视化;在面向"社会人"方面,主要阐述个体日常行为时空路径可视化、群体行为模拟可视化,以及社会关系网络可视化;在面向"知识人"方面,主要讨论知识可视化.本文最后从本体框架、信息采集与获取技术、数据组织与表达模型、可视化表达方法、主体概念方面,对于面向"人"GIS以及可视化的关键问题与技术进行了探讨.     

Geovisualization of Human Hybrid Activity-Travel Patterns

While GIS‐based geovisualization techniques have been fruitfully employed in a wide range of fields, they have not been applied to explore human hybrid activity‐travel patterns (i.e. the patterns of people's activities and/or travel in both the physical and virtual worlds). This study develops two geovisualization approaches using 3D and 2D GIS techniques to address the difficulties faced by past studies. First, the notions of information cube and hybrid 3D space‐time paths are developed to accommodate cyberspatial activities in exploratory data analysis. Second, a new representation of 2D space‐time paths that incorporates parallel coordinate plots is developed for exploring the multiple attributes of people's Internet and physical activities. These two methods were implemented using ArcObjects and the Visual Basic for Applications environment in ArcGIS. They were used to visualize a complex Internet‐activity diary dataset collected in Columbus (Ohio, USA). The study shows that the 3D and 2D geovisualization methods developed allow us to uncover important patterns in hybrid human activity‐travel behavior.     

历史建筑物立体图的数字测图技术

历史建筑物的立体图是其重要技术资料,本文探讨基于无协作目标电子全站仪采集建筑物的三维数据,通过制定相应的编码规则,结合AUTOLISP开发工具编制程序,在AUTOCAD平台上自动绘制建筑物的立体图,进而得到建筑物的三维立体图和其他建筑图件,实现建筑物三维立体图的数字测绘,为保护历史建筑提供基础信息。     

土壤调查地区级汇总的遥感制图试验研究

本研究的目的是探讨利用遥感影像数据,对县级土壤调查资料进行地区级汇总的制图工作方法。我们依据的制图综合原则是:(1)以现有的土壤图为基础,充分尊重原图上的界线,主要以土层界线重新综合;(2)研究并搞清各种土壤分布规律和它们之间的组合规律,然后进行归并和区分;(3)参照卫星影像特征和判读标志,对某些明显与实地不符之处,以影像和实地调查资料进行修正,有些土壤类型以组合形式表达。本文对利用遥感数据进行制图综合的工作方法进行了详细描述,其中包括:制图单元的综合和比例尺的改变,底图的制作和利用卫星影像对综合后的土壤图进行编制等。研究结果表明,此种方法与常规方法比较,特别是对有一定物质和技术条件的单位(如省级),不仅在土壤调查中,而且在资源调查中皆可采用此种编图技术,收到节省人力、物力和时间的效果。     

制图知识库驱动的数据库自动制图方法

随着测绘地理信息技术的快速发展,地图制图工艺发生了重大变化,基于地理空间数据库的自动化制图成为主流。尽管基于GIS(geographic information system)软件配图方式的自动制图技术逐渐成熟,并且在一定程度上满足了电子地图快速发布的需求,但地图制图领域中的高质量地图制图工艺和技术方法的改进仍然进展缓慢,人工依然承担大量重复的低效率的制图工作。本方法以制图知识库为驱动、基于制图软件平台开发自动制图系统,在保持软件原有制图工艺特点和功能不被改变的前提下,对专业制图软件的制图功能进行扩展,实现了制图软件中GIS数据库的全要素的自动化制图,减少地图制图工作量,实现高质量地图制图的自动化,极大提高制图效率。     

Comparison of small scale soil maps prepared by conventional methods and air photo-interpretation procedure

A small scale soil map for a part of Barnagar Tehsil prepared by the adoption of a systematic air photo-interpretation procedure has been compared with the soil map for the same area resulting from a previous reconnaissance soil survey using toposheets as base maps. Tt has been shown that the soil boundaries of the photo-interpretation map are both more accurate and natural in shape; delineation of gullied lands has been achieved more accurately by the A.P.I. procedure; soil erosion could be mapped more consistently and accurately through photo-interpretation. Additionally. the photo-internretation procedure achieves accurate delineation of distinctive facets of land forms because of the advantages arising from the viewing of a stereo model of the landscape; this paves the way for easier and better soil mapping in view of the correlation between landscape elements and soil patterns. Apart from the increased accuracy and diminished costs the photo-interpretation procedure will be helpful in modernising previously prepared reconnaissance soil maps.     

城市多媒体电子地图系统探讨

为及时反映城市信息的多媒体电子地图融合了数字制图技术、GIS技术、多媒体技术等多种高科技手段,为政府部门、公司企业、社会公众构建了一套便捷的、可视化的空间信息服务平台。介绍了多媒体电子地图的一些特点和重要性,并对多媒体电子地图的制作方法和设计理念等方面进行了探讨。     

基于全景图的3维实景制作及其与GIS集成研究

3维实景技术是一种基于图像绘制的虚拟现实技术,使用真实的照片展现场景达到沉浸式虚拟漫游的效果,提供给用户良好的交互性。本文提出了一种利用全景图制作3维实景并将其与GIS集成的方法:首先对拍摄的鱼眼照片进行球面投影,然后配准拼接成球面全景图,利用全景图制作3维场景,实现3维场景的漫游并将3维实景集成于已有的GIS系统。本文以华东师范大学校园3维实景漫游系统及基于Google Maps的3维实景地图开发为例,介绍方法流程。与传统的2维地图相比,3维实景地图更加直观且更具真实性。     

交互式全景视频流地图设计

全景视频流地图区别于一般电子地图的特点是将全景视频流数据与空间位置进行配准,不仅视频流数据具有360°全景浏览的特点,而且每帧图像都具有空间化特征。全景视频流地图的关键技术是全景视频三维模型和交互式操作。该文首先介绍了全景视频流地图的定义和系统设计,然后通过实验将视频流投影到以视点为中心的球体,利用Flex三维建模接口建立球型全景视频三维模型。全景视频流地图可以带来更流畅、更具沉浸感的用户感受,它将是街景地图、全景地图的发展趋势,将成为全景地图系统的新一代产品。     

The assessment of potential land use in the proposed irrigation command using Remote Sensing and GIS

Standard false colour composites (Std. FCC) on 1:50,000 scale was visually interpreted in conjunction with soil survey to prepare physiographic-soil map. Thirteen mapping units were delineated indicating soil association at family-level. Soil and land resource was evaluated for their land capability and irrigation suitability for its sustained use under irrigation. Land capability and land irrigability maps were generated as attribute map. These maps were integrated to suggest potential land use map. Current land use/land cover map prepared by visual analysis was spatially analysed in relation to potential land use to study potential changes in land use / land cover using GIS. The study reveals that 14.66% area has no limitation and can be brought to intensive agriculture by double cropping.     

水利水电工程征地移民项目实物指标调查测绘

本文探讨水利水电工程征地移民项目中的实物指标调查测绘方案。基于GIS地籍数据,配合河南省高分卫星高分辨率对地观测系统省级数据与应用中心自2016年至2020年数据,使用2次750m通场的厘米级航空摄影数据和1次基于无人机平台的可见光光学倾斜摄影和激光点云成像数据,最终形成13张细化标注农作物和树木种类的亚米级彩色平面地图,4张亚米级建筑物及其他附属设施三维地图,2张厘米级建筑物及其他附属设施三维地图,形成全面控制近5年征迁地区实物评价的最终指标数据。本文个案在该数据的支持下,征迁过程迅速高效完成,虽然也经历了部分诉讼调解过程,但最终对本文个案测量数据的支持率和认同率均为100%。本文调查测绘方案对水利水电工程征地移民项目有积极意义。     

Estimating the Effects of Map Error on Habitat Delineation for the California Spotted Owl in Southern California

The reliability of habitat maps that have been generated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and image processing of remotely sensed data can be overestimated. Habitat suitability and spatially explicit population viability models are often based on these products without explicit knowledge of the effects of these mapping errors on model results. While research has considered errors in population modeling assumptions, there is no standardized method for measuring the effects of inaccuracies resulting from errors in landscape classification. Using landscape‐scale maps of existing vegetation developed for the USDA Forest Service in southern California from Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite data and GIS modeling, we performed a sensitivity analysis to estimate how mapping errors in vegetation type, forest canopy cover, and tree crown size might affect delineation of suitable habitat for the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). The resulting simulated uncertainty maps showed an increase in the estimated area of suitable habitat types. Further analysis measuring the fragmentation of the additional patches showed that they were too small to be useful as habitat areas.     

我国西部1：50000地图新产品设计与表达技术

西部测图工程以＂丰富产品种类,拓展服务领域＂为设计宗旨,力求地图新产品开发,在传统4D产品的基础上,根据西部地物地貌特征补充了地形图要素内容,开发研制了影像地图、晕渲地形图新产品。本文针对原有地形图在表达西部地物地貌特征方面的不足,介绍了西部测图工程中地图新产品的内容设计与制图表达,包括地形图要素扩充内容与制图表达、影像地图产品内容设计与制图表达、晕渲地形图产品内容设计与制图表达等技术内容。地图新产品设计与表达技术已应用在西部测图中,指导生产了我国西部首批1：50000地形图、影像地图和晕渲地形图产品,丰富了我国基本比例尺地形图产品种类。     

Cesium框架多源电子地图瓦片数据混搭方案设计

针对现有的商业地理信息系统平台难以灵活整合多源影像数据融合使用的问题,深入研究Cesium平台下多种数据源的空间参考差异和瓦片组织规则,针对不同空间参考的瓦片数据源进行混搭设计,提出基于Cesium的多源本地瓦片数据静态和动态加载方案。实验结果表明,单一瓦片数据源加载方案、静态和动态多源瓦片混搭方案的展示效果较好;静态瓦片混搭方案在加载不同空间参考瓦片数据时容易造成变形;动态多源、多空间参考瓦片混搭方案能有效克服变形问题且展示效果佳。本文实现了在开源GIS平台下的多源影像数据的融合使用,为地理信息系统与遥感类项目应用提供了一个低成本、高灵活性的解决方案,具有较为明显的实际应用价值。