Understanding Today's Online GIS User Through the Lens of a WorldMap Survey

WorldMap is an open source online mapping application which aims to lower barriers for scholars who wish to visualize, analyze, organize, present, and publish mapped information. In late 2013, 290 respondents among the 8,000 registered users participated in an online survey in which they described their activities, purposes, experiences, and preferences regarding the system. Participants also described their professional background, GIS skill level, age, gender, and country of work. This study analyzes the results of the survey, by summarizing the responses to each question independently and by examining the relationships and dependencies of these answers across the different questions to try to better understand why users responded the way they did. The study is based on the user‐centered design (UCD) approach. We aim to use the survey results to improve our understanding of user demographics and needs. Findings from this study will be used to guide WorldMap improvements, and we hope the findings will also shed light on the broader requirements of online GIS users.     

在线地图的空间认知研究

作为一种新的空间信息认知工具,在线地图适时性强,传播方便。文章总结了在线地图的特点和使用方式,并以交通查询为例分析了用户使用在线地图的地图信息认知过程、信息获取的阶段并根据以上分析得出了在线地图空间认知的一般规律。为数字环境下的空间信息表达与认知提供了理论依据。     

WebGL在线动态地图服务框架设计

针对在线动态地图的交互性强、制图过程灵活、数据复杂多样、受众面广等特点及优势,本文基于WebGL技术设计了一种在线动态地图服务架构。该架构通过设计面向海量矢量数据的在线地图数据模型,定义在线地图切片的存储结构,并充分利用计算机硬件加速能力,实现了海量矢量切片数据的快速可视化和动态更新。为检验方法的可行性,利用该框架研发了某县的"多规合一"地理信息服务平台,结果表明,该框架提升了在线动态地图平台的实用性和操作性,为在线动态地图服务提供了可靠的理论和技术支撑。     

Real-time raster projection for web maps

The virtual globe is the default visualization for Digital Earth applications, but it can only show one half of the Earth. This article introduces user-adjustable, on-the-fly projection of georeferenced raster images for web mapping and web GIS applications. This technique allows users to center a map on arbitrary locations, while still seeing the entire Earth surface. Modern web mapping libraries can apply map projection transformations to vector data in the browser, but they do not currently support the projection of raster images at interactive frame rates. We use the cross-platform WebGL (Web Graphics Library) graphics pipeline for hardware-accelerated projection of raster data in web browsers. Two algorithmic techniques – inverse per-fragment projection, and combined forward per-triangle and inverse per-fragment projection – for georeferenced raster imagery are documented. The resulting raster maps combine the ease of use and flexibility of interactive virtual globes with the ability to show the entire Earth. The adjustable projection of raster imagery allows users to observe global phenomena that are difficult to visualize on virtual globes or traditional maps with static projections.     

Narrative Cartography: From Mapping Stories to the Narrative of Maps and Mapping

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the multiple ways of envisioning the relationships between maps and narratives. This is approached from a map making perspective. Throughout the process of editing this special issue, we have identified two main types of relationships. Firstly, maps have been used to represent the spatio-temporal structures of stories and their relationships with places. Oral, written and audio-visual stories have been mapped extensively. They raise some common cartographic challenges, such as improving the spatial expression of time, emotions, ambiguity, connotation, as well as the mixing of personal and global scales, real and fictional places, dream and reality, joy and pain. Secondly, the potential of maps as narratives and the importance of connecting the map with the complete mapping process through narratives is addressed. Although the potential of maps to tell stories has already been widely acknowledged, we emphasize the increasing recognition of the importance of developing narratives that critically describe the cartographic process and context in which maps unfold - the core idea of post-representational cartography. Telling the story about how maps are created and how they come to life in a broad social context and in the hands of their users has become a new challenge for mapmakers.     

面向服务的动态制图服务系统关键技术探讨

首先分析了传统专题地图制图技术在测绘信息化发展过程中呈现的弊端;然后基于目前迅速发展的WebGIS技术,研究了基于Web服务的在线制图技术,就在线地图制图中的符号构建、制图服务模型、数据服务等方面提出了基于在线地图的交互式自定义制图;最后设计开发了基于Web服务的交互式制图系统,实现了面向普通用户的在线订阅式制图和面向专业用户的在线定制式制图。实践表明,该系统动态专题制图功能灵活,表达方式多样,传播效率高,能满足不同专业背景用户的制图需求。     

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.     

网络环境下分区统计地图制图子系统的设计与实现

分析了网络环境下分区统计地图表达信息的特点,根据其可视化地理统计信息的需要,运用Java Ap-plet技术,设计和开发了网络环境下交互式分区统计地图制图子系统。     

基于地理国情监测成果的通用专题服务平台设计

为了提高服务能力和保障水平,对地理国情监测成果资源进行整合,使其在经济社会发展、民生需求中发挥整体效应。针对目前公众地理信息服务和用户需求,本文构想一个通用的智能专题地图开放服务平台,开创交互式地图,实现一键式制作专业地图,面向企业机构和个人用户提供在线地图与地理信息服务,从而辅助业务决策,打造企业或个人专属地图应用。依托信息丰富的地理国情监测成果数据,实现交互式地图应用,面向机关、企业机构和个人用户提供免费、便捷的在线地理信息服务。通过快速准确的数据匹配,展现地理位置和专题数据的空间关系。让各种用户数据、专题数据内容在地理空间上图文并茂地展示,从而起到辅助业务决策、分析和解决实际问题的作用。本文构想的平台能够加强地理国情监测成果应用推广,满足国民经济和社会信息化建设对测绘工作的需求,推动我国测绘行业成果应用。     

"电纸"服务平台的研制

从GIS平民化服务的角度,研制一种"电纸平台",即把纸质地图和电子地图的展现方式融为一体,使其优势互补,在老百姓应用和享受地理信息成果时,既能像纸质地图一样,一目了然,使用方便,又能具有电子地图海量数据库的支持,灵活方便展现、更新和网络化操作.     

基于ArcGIS的大比例尺矢量电子地图制图研究

以基于ArcGIS的电子地图制图为研究对象,探讨了电子地图制图的技术流程和方法,详细阐述了使用Maplex引擎对标注进行处理的相关方法,从而创建高质量的动态标注,优化地图标注的数量和质量,为地理信息公共服务平台在线地图展示、浏览和标注提供了数据资源。     

网络环境下分级统计地图可视化方法的研究

从空间认知的角度分析和研究了分级统计地图可视化技术,并在网络环境下,实现了分级统计地图制图系统,让用户在一个交互的、可视化的制图环境中定制个性化地图,同时可以利用系统提供的可视化工具进行探索性的空间数据分析,发现统计数据内在的知识.     

Satellite-based damage mapping following the 2006 Indonesia earthquake—How accurate was it?

The Yogyakarta area in Indonesia suffered a devastating earthquake on 27 May 2006. There was an immediate international response, and the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters” was activated, leading to a rapid production of image-based damage maps and other assistance. Most of the acquired images were processed by UNOSAT and DLR-ZKI, while substantial damage mapping also occurred on the ground. This paper assesses the accuracy and completeness of the damage maps produced based on Charter data, using ground damage information collected during an extensive survey by Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University in the weeks following the earthquake and that has recently become available. More than 54,000 buildings or their remains were surveyed, resulting in an exceptional validation database. The UNOSAT damage maps outlining clusters of severe damage are very accurate, while earlier, more detailed results underestimated damage and missed larger areas. Damage maps produced by DLR-ZKI, using a damage-grid approach, were found to underestimate the extent and severity of the devastation. Both mapping results also suffer from limited image coverage and extensive cloud contamination. The ground mapping gives a more accurate picture of the extent of the damage, but also illustrates the challenge of mapping a vast area. The paper concludes with a discussion on ways to improve Charter-based damage maps by integration of local knowledge, and to create a wider impact through generation of customised mapping products using web map services.     

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.     

European digital archive on soil maps (EuDASM): preserving important soil data for public free access

Abstract

Historical soil survey paper maps are valuable resources that underpin strategies to support soil protection and promote sustainable land use practices, especially in developing countries where digital soil information is often missing. However, many of the soil maps, in particular those for developing countries, are held in traditional archives that are not easily accessible to potential users. Additionally, many of these documents are over 50 years old and are beginning to deteriorate. Realising the need to conserve this information, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the ISRIC-World Soil Information foundation have created the European Digital Archive of Soil Maps (EuDASM), through which all archived paper maps of ISRIC has been made accessible to the public through the Internet. The immediate objective is to transfer paper-based soil maps into a digital format with the maximum possible resolution and to ensure their preservation and easy disclosure. More than 6,000 maps from 135 countries have been captured and are freely available to users through a user-friendly web-based interface. Initial feedback has been very positive, especially from users in Africa, South America and Asia to whom archived soil maps were made available to local users, often for the first time. Link: http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/maps/country_maps/list_countries.cfm     

自媒体时代的地图:微地图

针对传统地图制作门槛高、传播效率低的弊端,提出了一种新的地图形式——微地图,以适应自媒体时代对地图的要求。给出了微地图的定义、特点及其与传统地图的区别,阐释了微地图系统的功能。微地图作为传统地图的有益补充,将以其小、快、灵的特点成为面向"草根"阶层的地图。     

The design and composition of persuasive maps

Persuasive maps are ubiquitous in society, yet cartographers have largely neglected to conduct serious, holistic research on them. Persuasive maps represent a form of visual communication that differs markedly from scientific geovisualization. First, many of these maps' communicative goals are anathema to those of scientific representation. Second, many persuasive maps ignore and defy established cartographic conventions. This article argues two things. First, the cartographic discipline can gain insight about how maps communicate information from the longitudinal and holistic analysis of persuasive maps. By comparing the differences and similarities of persuasive maps to scientific geovisualizations, researchers can begin to understand how persuasive maps communicate differently than scientific ones. Second, breaking persuasive maps down into composite parts may make it possible to identify persuasive map norms (i.e., methods of design that are embraced by producers of persuasive maps). The results of a content analysis of 256 persuasive maps are discussed. The article concludes that it may be possible to take the most statistically significant results from this study to begin identifying different rhetorical styles of persuasive maps.     

一种面向多应用的大比例地形图数据模型

提出了一种新型的面向对象的大比例地形图数据模型 ,并给出了相应的数据结构与软件实现方法。实验证明 ,该模型能很好地满足传统制图与GIS的双重需求 ,实现数据一次采集便能同时进入地图数据库与地理数据库 ,具有较好的应用价值     

基于多平台的输电线路选线系统开发

输电线路选线是电力工程勘测设计的重要工作内容,传统的勘测手段存在地图不能及时更新,优化选线不合理,实地踏勘工作量大、前期工作周期长等问题。本文以在线卫星地图数据为主要载体,开发了基于多平台在线地理信息数据的输电线路工程选线系统,改变传统的作业模式,发挥多平台在线卫星地图数据的优势,大大提高输电线路设计效率和质量,克服了多平台地理信息数据不能转换,图形不能编辑、输出、量测等问题。     

国家西部测图工程1:50000晕渲地形图研究

为向用户提供内容更加丰富的新型GIS产品,国家西部测图工程提出在生产1:50000线划地形图产品的同时,生产1:50000晕渲地形图产品。本文首先提出了1:50000晕渲地形图的内容及表达规则,在此基础上根据西部区域特点,分析了晕渲生成相关参数,提出西部测图工程1:50000晕渲采用斜照光源、光源方位角315°、光源高度角55°、垂直比例因子为1。其次提出了晕渲生成后的图像分辨率调整、色调调整,基本地理要素与晕渲图像叠加处理。最后提出1:50000晕渲地形图图外整饰原则。该试验的研究结果已形成生产技术文件,并应用到国家西部测图工程中。