A New Construction Method for Circle Cartograms

An area cartogram is a transformed map on which areas of regions are proportional to statistical data values; it is considered to be a powerful tool for the visual representation of statistical data. A circle cartogram is a type of area cartograms, on which regions are represented by circles. Its first construction algorithm is proposed by Dorling in 1996, based on the following requirements to construct visually elegant cartograms: 1) maintain the similarity of configurations between circles and regions, 2) express the contiguity of regions on cartograms if possible, and 3) avoid overlap of circles. The algorithm is widely used for its easiness to use and its ability to express a spatial distribution of data; however, the relative positions of circles on cartograms sometimes greatly differ from the geographical maps, since the algorithm does not consider the first requirements explicitly. In this paper, it is first pointed out that the construction problem of circle cartograms resembles that of distance cartograms, and the only difference is the existence of third requirement. Then a new construction method for circle cartograms is proposed based on the distance cartogram construction method; the proposed method is formulated as non-linear minimization with inequality constraint conditions. Finally its applicability is confirmed using dataset, including the comparison with the result of previous algorithm.     

Diffusion-based cartogram on spheres

A planar cartogram is a two-dimensional map, on which the area of each closed region is in direct proportion to a chosen extensive property. To date, various algorithms have been proposed to construct planar cartograms. This work extends the two-dimensional, diffusion-based, topologically invariant cartogram algorithm proposed by Gastner and Newman onto spheres. Unlike its planar counterpart, the spherical formulation does not require boundary conditions and is invariant to the rotation of input data on the sphere. An implementation of this spherical cartogram transformation is designed to generate readable topology-preserving cartograms on spheres. Lastly, the method is illustrated with applications to global data such as worldwide human population, gross domestic product (purchasing power parity), carbon dioxide emissions and regional data such as the Electoral College of the United States presidential election of 2016.     

Manual construction of continuous cartograms through mesh transformation

A computer-assisted framework is proposed to support the manual construction of cartograms. The framework employs a joint triangulation, similar to that used in rubber-sheeting, to define a piecewise affine transformation between map space and cartogram space. This guarantees preservation of all topological relations within and among transformed datasets with insertion of a finite number of points. To support intuitive user control of cartogram appearance, methods are developed to translate generically defined user adjustments of the cartogram into mesh vertex positions on either the source map mesh or cartogram mesh. The framework is implemented in a working prototype application and used to create sample cartograms of the USA and China. Results are compared with cartograms produced using diffusion and carto3f algorithms in terms of accuracy, aesthetic appearance, and approximate construction time. Qualitative aspects of the manual construction process are also discussed.     

Effectiveness of Cartogram for the Representation of Spatial Data

Abstract

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Cartogram is a technique for visualisation of the geographical distribution of spatial data. It has two main types, i.e. distance cartogram and area cartogram. Area cartogram is a transformed map in which areas are resized in proportion to an attribute value. A number of techniques have been developed for the generation of area cartograms. Some researchers consider cartogram as a very effective technique for visualisation of spatial data, while others doubt about the effectiveness because of the possible distortion in shape and/or disconnectivity in topology. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of area cartogram for visualizing spatial data. In this study, two comparative experiments have been conducted. One is the comparison between thematic maps and cartograms, and the other is the comparison among different types of area cartogram. Two sets of data with different characteristics are used, i.e. 2005 China population data and 1996 US election data. Results show that cartogram is more effective in the representation of the 1996 US election data which provides a qualitative result (i.e. in binary form or nominal data), but thematic map is far more effective in the representation of 2005 China population data which provides a quantitative result (in classes or ordinal data). It is also found that among different types of area cartogram, pseudo-cartogram is the most preferred technique and Dorling cartogram is the least preferred one.     

Value-by-alpha maps: An alternative technique to the cartogram

The cartogram, or value-by-area map, is a popular technique for cartographically representing social data. Such maps visually equalize a basemap prior to 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 visualization 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.     

Communication Aspects of Value-by-Area Cartograms

The value-by-area cartogram is a form of mapping often used for its visual impact. The average reaction to cartogram area is potentially error free in that the components of a typical value-by-area cartogram are areal shapes. When not in map form, map readers generally respond to these areas in a linear fashion. Results of a testing program to measure this ability suggest that the accuracy of the average response depends upon whether shapes are amorphous or square and whether the anchor stimulus is relatively large or small. The accuracy of responses to the cartogram compare favorably with responses to a five-class Flannery circle map. Map reader attitudes point out that these cartograms are thought to be confusing and difficult to read. At the same time they appear interesting, generalized, innovative, unusual, and having—as opposed to lacking—style. Communication depends on how well the cartographer has maintained the overall shape quality of the original geographical units and the provision of an adequate stimulus anchor, a geographical-base inset map, and labeling on the statistical units.     

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

Abstract

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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.     

面向双/多变量的连续面域拓扑图可视化方法

面域拓扑图是一种利用区域面积大小定量表达区域属性信息的可视化方法。由于其区域面积本身已经表示某一变量,因此这更有利于双/多变量的制图表达。针对目前基于面域拓扑图的双/多变量表达方法中存在的难以表达相邻区域之间基本状况和不利于不同地理现象的空间分布规律及差异表达的问题,本文提出一种面向双/多变量的连续面域拓扑图可视化方法。首先通过格网密度补偿和积分步长逐步试探的方法对基于扩散模型的连续面域拓扑图生成算法进行部分优化,完成基本变量的表达,然后分别通过空间内插和符号扩展完成第2和第3变量在连续面域拓扑图中的表达。最后以慕尼黑市人口密度和银行/ATM分布(双变量)数据以及奥格斯堡市人口密度数据、幼儿园分布以及规模数据(多变量)为试验数据进行可视化,并通过实证分析验证了该方法的有效性和优越性。     

一种顾及制图区域要素密度均衡的地图变换算法

制图区域要素密度分布不均衡会增加地图表达难度,常规地图表达方式无法解决视觉不平衡的问题。在Gastner-Newman地图变形算法的基础上,提出了一种顾及制图区域要素密度平衡和公众地图认知一致性的地图变换算法。首先,设计多种变形单元尺度以及配置制图要素密度权重组合;然后,代入线性扩散方程,构建变形格网并映射各离散控制点;最后,生成多种变形地图结果。开展了地图认知实验,获得56份问卷结果,针对中国广西南宁市青秀区行政区划图的形态控制,应控制S_周长 > 0.975、S_{周长面积比} > 0.961、S_形状比 > 0.966,能兼顾地图形变以及公众认知的一致性。为解决地图要素密度不均衡的问题提供了新的思路,变形后的地图达到视觉平衡,同时,通过调整形变权重参数实现了公众地图认知的一致性。     

Flood forecasting in Niger-Benue basin using satellite and quantitative precipitation forecast data

Availability of reliable, timely and accurate rainfall data is constraining the establishment of flood forecasting and early warning systems in many parts of Africa. We evaluated the potential of satellite and weather forecast data as input to a parsimonious flood forecasting model to provide information for flood early warning in the central part of Nigeria. We calibrated the HEC-HMS rainfall-runoff model using rainfall data from post real time Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi satellite Precipitation Analysis product (TMPA). Real time TMPA satellite rainfall estimates and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) rainfall products were tested for flood forecasting. The implication of removing the systematic errors of the satellite rainfall estimates (SREs) was explored. Performance of the rainfall-runoff model was assessed using visual inspection of simulated and observed hydrographs and a set of performance indicators. The forecast skill was assessed for 1–6 days lead time using categorical verification statistics such as Probability Of Detection (POD), Frequency Of Hit (FOH) and Frequency Of Miss (FOM). The model performance satisfactorily reproduced the pattern and volume of the observed stream flow hydrograph of Benue River. Overall, our results show that SREs and rainfall forecasts from weather models have great potential to serve as model inputs for real-time flood forecasting in data scarce areas. For these data to receive application in African transboundary basins, we suggest (i) removing their systematic error to further improve flood forecast skill; (ii) improving rainfall forecasts; and (iii) improving data sharing between riparian countries.     

基于GIS的精细化格点预报平台设计与实现——以青岛市为例

针对目前天气预报发展需求,本文提出了精细化格点天气预报。不同于传统的站点天气预报,精细化格点预报平台是进行图像交互及编辑订正的平台,核心功能模块包括格点数据下载及解析、可视化显示、图形编辑订正和预报产品输出。目前,精细化天气预报平台已经应用于青岛市海洋气象服务平台,经过不断地改进,预报精度由原先的9 km提高到了现在的3 km,实现了青岛地区的24 h气象预报以及数据订正,减少了气象服务人员的工作量。     

Cloud classification in NOAA AVHRR imageries using spectral and textural features

Clouds contribute significantly to the formation of many of the natural hazards. Hence cloud mapping and its classification becomes a major component of the various physical models which are used for forecasting natural hazards. The problem of cloud data classification from NOAA AVHRR (advance very high resolution radiometer) satellite imagery using image transformation techniques is considered in this paper. The singular value decomposition (SVD) scheme is used to extract the salient spectral and textural features attributed to satellite snow and cloud data in visible and IR channels. The goals of this paper are to discriminate between clear sky and clouds in an 8 × 8 pixel array of 1.1 km AVHRR data. If clouds are present then classify them as low, medium or high range. This scheme can effectively segregate clouds and non-cloud features in the visible and IR bands of the imagery. It can also classify clouds as low, medium or high range with a success rate of 70–90%. Computer-based snow and cloud discrimination and automatic cloud classification system will help the forecaster in various climatological applications, viz., energy balance estimation, precipitation forecasting, landslide forecasting, weather forecasting and avalanche forecasting etc.     

Methods for Mapping and Medium-Range Forecasting of Fire Danger in Forests on the Basis of Weather Conditions

Two Russian researchers outline a method whereby imagery from NOAA-series satellites is used to augment data derived from Russia's network of meteorological stations during extreme fire hazard situations. The focus more specifically is on developing a medium-range forecast of the fire hazard on the basis of repeated imaging and medium-range (10-day, 3-day) weather forecasts, for the purpose of compiling forecast maps of fire danger to support fire detection, prevention, firefighting measures, as well as the timely deployment of personnel and equipment. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, Virginia, from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 2002, No. 4, pp. 112-117.     

Exhibiting the Exhibitors: Spatial Visualization for Heterogeneous Cinema Venue Data

Abstract

Cinema data is characteristically complex, heterogeneous and interlinked. Rather than relying on simple information retrieval techniques, researchers are increasingly turning to the creative exploration and reapplication of data in order to more fully explore the meaning of newly available and diverse data sets. In this context, the cinema historian becomes the creator of visual texts which can be assessed for both their interpretive insight and their aesthetic qualities. This paper presents four research projects that use different spatio-temporal visualization techniques to understand the industrial dynamics of post-war film exhibition and distribution in Australia. The research integrates work by a group of inter-disciplinary investigators into the effectiveness of techniques such as dendritic mapping, Circos circular visualizations, animation, cartogram mapping, and multivariate visualization for the study of cinema circuits and operations at a number of scales.     

Use of Cartographic Analysis for Determining the Morphometric Features of Selected Groups of Glacial Configuration Forms

Abstract

Using a hypsometric map, an analysis was performed of selected morphometric features of topographic profiles differing in terms of origin. The research was based on uniform source materials, namely topographic maps of Poland on a scale of 1:10 000. The spatial distribution of morphometric features has been presented using geometrical cartograms. Summary cartograms, based on normalised and summed up values of individual features, were also developed. A comparative analysis of cartograms was performed in order to establish dominant features. It was established that each of the researched genetic topographic profile types has characteristic morphometric features. Getting its meaning may be helpful when determining the origin and age of topographic profiles. It was also demonstrated that when analysing the morphometry of terrain, it is sufficient to consider dominant features only.     

Impact of GPS radio occultation data assimilation on regional weather predictions

The impact of GPS radio occultation (RO) data assimilation on severe weather predictions in East Asia is introduced and reviewed. Both the local observation operator that assimilates the retrieved refractivity as local point measurement, and the nonlocal observation operator that assimilates the integrated retrieved refractivity along a straight raypath have been utilized in WRF 3DVAR to improve the initial analysis of the model. A general evaluation of the impact of these approaches on Asian regional analysis and daily prediction is provided in this paper. In general, the GPS RO data assimilation may improve prediction of severe weather such as typhoons and Mei-yu systems when COSMIC data were available, ranging from several points in 2006 to a maximum of about 60 in 2007 and 2008 in this region. Based on a number of experiments, regional model predictions at 5 km resolution were not significantly influenced by different observation operators, although the nonlocal observation operator sometimes results in slightly better track forecast. These positive impacts are seen not only in typhoon track prediction but also in prediction of local heavy rainfall associated with severe weather over Taiwan. The impact of 56 GPS RO soundings on track prediction of Cyclone Gonu (2007) over the Indian Ocean is also appealing when compared to other tracks assimilated with different observations. From a successive evaluation of skill scores for real-time forecasts on Mei-yu frontal systems operationally conducted over a longer period and predictions of six typhoons in 2008, assimilation of GPS RO data appears to have some positive impact on regional weather predictions, on top of existent assimilation with all other observations.     

Use of atmospheric angular momentum forecasts for UT1 predictions: analyses over CONT08

Real-time orbit determination and interplanetary navigation require accurate predictions of the orientation of the Earth in the celestial reference frame and in particular that for Universal Time UT1. Much of the UT1 variations over periods ranging from hours to a couple of years are due to the global atmospheric circulation. Therefore, the axial atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) forecast series may be used as a proxy index to predict UT1. Our approach taking advantage of this fact is based on an adaptive procedure. It involves incorporating integrations of AAM estimates into UT1 series. The procedure runs on a routine basis using AAM forecasts that are based on the two meteorological series, from the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is pertinent to test the prediction method for the period that includes the special CONT08 campaign over which we expect a significant improvement in UT1 accuracy. The studies we carried out were aimed both to compare atmospheric forecasts and analyses, as well as to compare the skills of the UT1 forecasts based on the method with atmospheric forecasts and that using current statistical processes, as applied to the C04 Earth orientation parameters series derived by the International Earth rotation and Reference Systems service (IERS). Here we neglect the oceanic sub-diurnal and diurnal variations, as these signals are expected to be smaller than the UT1-equivalent of 100 μs, when averaged over a few days. The prediction performances for a 2-day forecast are similar, but at a forecast horizon of a week, the AAM-based forecast is roughly twice as skillful as the statistically based one.     

Multiple forecasts of kharif rice in orissa state-four year experience of fasal pilot study

Considering the requirement of multiple pre-harvest crop forecasts, the concept of Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology and Land based observations (FASAL) has been formulated. Development of procedure and demonstration of this technique for four in-season forecasts for kharif rice has been carried out as a pilot study in Orissa State since 1998. As the availability of cloud-free optical remote sensing data during kharif season is very poor for Orissa state, multi-date RADARSAT SCANSAR data were used for acreage estimation of kharif rice. Meteorological models have been developed for early assessment of acreage and prediction of yield at mid and late crop growth season. Four in-season forecasts were made during four kharif seasons (1998-2001); the first forecast of zone level rice acreage at the beginning of kharif crop season using meteorological models, second forecast of district level acreage at mid growth season using two-date RADARSAT SCANSAR data and yield using meteorological models, third forecast at late growth season of district level acreage using three-date RADARSAT SCANSAR data and yield using meteorological models and revised forecast incorporating field observations at maturity. The results of multiple forecasts have shown rice acreage estimation and yield prediction with deviation up to 14 and 11 per cent respectively. This study has demonstrated the potential of FASAL concept to provide inseason multiple forecasts using data of remote sensing, meteorology and land based observations.     

Assessing reference evapotranspiration at regional scale based on remote sensing,weather forecast and GIS tools

Reference evapotranspiration (ET_o) is a key component in efficient water management, especially in arid and semi-arid environments. However, accurate ET_o assessment at the regional scale is complicated by the limited number of weather stations and the strict requirements in terms of their location and surrounding physical conditions for the collection of valid weather data. In an attempt to overcome this limitation, new approaches based on the use of remote sensing techniques and weather forecast tools have been proposed.Use of the Land Surface Analysis Satellite Application Facility (LSA SAF) tool and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have allowed the design and development of innovative approaches for ET_o assessment, which are especially useful for areas lacking available weather data from weather stations. Thus, by identifying the best-performing interpolation approaches (such as the Thin Plate Splines, TPS) and by developing new approaches (such as the use of data from the most similar weather station, TS, or spatially distributed correction factors, CITS), errors as low as 1.1% were achieved for ET_o assessment. Spatial and temporal analyses reveal that the generated errors were smaller during spring and summer as well as in homogenous topographic areas.The proposed approaches not only enabled accurate calculations of seasonal and daily ET_o values, but also contributed to the development of a useful methodology for evaluating the optimum number of weather stations to be integrated into a weather station network and the appropriateness of their locations. In addition to ET_o, other variables included in weather forecast datasets (such as temperature or rainfall) could be evaluated using the same innovative methodology proposed in this study.     

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL SPATIAL IMAGES

A review of the Soviet and foreign literature on nontraditional cartographic images (cartograms) sets the stage for a critique of the position that they are only distorted versions of conventional maps. The author argues that nontraditional images are a legitimate form of cartographic presentation, employing a special non-spatial (topologic) system of measurement. As such, they are uniquely suited for the portrayal of certain kinds of information (i.e., socioeconomic) where elucidation of quantitative relations among features is more important than their faithful geometric representation. Procedures for transforming traditional images into nontraditional ones are described. Translated from: Izvestiy a AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1984, No. 5, pp. 121-133.