How to Enhance Cartographic Visualisations of Natural Hazards Assessment Results

Abstract

Cartographic visualisations are important tools for the communication of hazard related data among stakeholders. Although these representations are essential for various hazard management tasks, an analysis of existing hazard visualisations showed that they often disregard cartographic principles. This leads to confusion on the part of users through poor representations and consequently to an impairment of the information flow. The objective of this research is to offer suggestions for enhanced hazard visualisations to facilitate hazard management tasks and decision making. Existing cartographic shortcomings are identified based on an extensive analysis of hazard visualisations and an expert survey. These shortcomings are discussed and improvements for important cartographic elements are presented.     

Effective Graphic Features for Multivariate Symbol Mapping

Abstract

Various patterns of cartographic multivariate symbols (MSs) have been developed to work efficiently with objective symbol mapping. One such MS pattern is composed of a graph that uses spatial data to represent statistical data. A preliminary study revealed major problems with users’ perceptions and understanding of the symbol. These problems present obstacles to the presentation objectives. We are therefore interested in studying the human factors that contribute to the visual perception of graph symbols. We predict that the graph symbols currently in use are too complex for viewers to fully understand what they are intended to represent. This research aims to study the mechanisms and behaviours of human visual perception that are necessary to understand cartography MSs and to determine a more effective prototype symbol that presents and conveys information to viewers more efficiently. The prototype design is based on a basic cartographic symbol and includes the characteristics and properties of the original patterns of graph symbols via a study of their pros and cons. Graphic structures and properties were modified to create a more effective symbol.     

Cartography: Making Sense of Our Worlds

Abstract

One goal of cartographic research is to improve the usefulness of maps. To do so, we must consider the process of spatial knowledge acquisition, the role of maps in that process, and the content of cognitive representations derived. Research from psychology, geography, and other disciplines related to these issues is reviewed. This review is used to suggest potential new directions for research with particular attention to spatial problem solving and geographic instruction. A classroom experiment related to these issues is then described. The experiment highlights some of the implications that a concern for the process of spatial knowledge acquisition will have on questions and methods of cartographic research as well as on the use of maps in geographic instruction. It also provides evidence of independent but interrelated verbal and spatial components of regional images that can be altered by directed map work.     

Understanding Chorematic Diagrams: Towards a Taxonomy

Abstract

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Chorematic diagrams are prospective candidates for communicating highly generalised geographic information about a given region of interest. Chorematic diagrams were popularized in France as the graphical artefacts of a specific school of geographic thought established by Roger Brunet, with GIP-RECLUS as his institutional backing. Although many maps were created and a lively debate ensued, only few consolidated cartographic findings were generated and even less were made known to the international scientific community. This article presents a contextualizing review and proposes a cartographic taxonomy aimed at being a first step towards efforts for the automated generation of chorematic diagrams.     

Cartography: A manufacturing industry concerned with the Processing,Transformation, Packaging and Transportation of Spatial Data

Abstract

The communication approach advocated by cartographers during the past decade appears to have provided direction but no route to improvement of the product. Much of the research in this area appears almost aimless and considerable danger is foreseen in that if a path is not quickly established and maintained the purpose of cartographic research will be lost behind ill conceived forays into 'no man's land'. The map is considered within this article as primarily a 'total product' and interdependence between its various elements seen as its strength. The current obsession with component parts detached from their operating environment appears to provide nothing of use to the manufacturer. This paper certainly is not presented as either a research or review article, but rather as a contemplative essay in which the above topics are examined and comparisons made between the cartographic and other manufacturing industries.     

Re-Freshing Cartography

Abstract

This paper presents the cartographic elements of a system for classifying and visualizing high-dimensional geographic datasets. The system has been developed as part of the Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) project. The goal of the system is to develop regional and global typologies of coastal zones using large multi-variable datasets. Our implementation bring together statistical clustering algorithms with visualization capabilities to allow easy analysis and comprehension of the result. The two main tasks of the visualization are to allow for discrimination of multiple classes and to show relationships between those classes. These are accomplished in two different visual presentations. In both cases, the system selects colors appropriate to the purpose. In the latter case — showing relationships — the system uses a novel iterative refinement algorithm to select the colors. The result show that the system is successful at both generation the classes and visualizing the relationships between them.     

Maps as Knowledge Aggregators: from Renaissance Italy Fra Mauro to Web Search Engines

Abstract

For many years geological students have been graduating from universities with little knowledge of how to use the cartographic language of line, letter, symbol and tone by which the distribution and spatial arrangement of earth science data can be best expressed. The author discusses the development of the teaching of geological cartography in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Leeds. Details of this innovation are set against the background of data obtained from a recent questionnaire on the practice of cartography as a discipline in departments of geology in British universities.     

CARTOGRAPHY ON THE EVE OF A NEW MILLENNIUM

One of Russia's foremost cartographers surveys the status of cartography on the eve of the 21st century, in a review of research presented at a plenary session of a recent national cartographic conference of the Russian Federation. The focus is on how changes in scientific paradigms (toward a so-called phenomenological paradigm) have been accompanied by the appearance of new products and modes of communication and information transmission. These, in turn, have generated needs for new programs of mass-based cartographic education and new scientific production institutes for the design and testing of new mapping technologies. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1998, No. 1, pp. 8-17.     

Ptolemy and the Early Image of the Old World

Abstract

A cartographic symposium held at Ulm in November 1982 was stimulated by the 500th anniversary of the printing of Ptolemy's 'Geographica' in that city, and was attended by an international gathering of historical cartographers.     

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.     

Geographic information systems in Europe

Abstract

Electronic atlases possess certain advantages over their paper counterparts. However these are not achieved lightly because of the considerable differences between these media, particularly in terms of cartographic design. These problems, and the process of converting an existing atlas of marine information into an electronic version, are the subject of this paper.     

The Map of the Future May Not Be a Map!

Abstract

Although studies concerned with the communication of information and of power-relations have been central to the development of cartographic theory, as hermeneutics they do not seem to have fully explored the relationship between maps and aesthetics. In this short paper, I will briefly discuss the reasons why aesthetics belongs in the development of cartographic theory and suggest possible avenues for further research.     

Semi-automatic Process for Hybrid DTM Generalization based on Structural Elements Multi-analysis

Abstract

The generalization of digital terrain models (DTMs) is a tool of great potential for simultaneous cartographic and photogrammetry generation processes at different scales, the main object of which is to feed different geographic information systems (GIS). These GIS enable multi-scale analysis and visualization through different data bases. This research proposes a semi-automatic DTM generalization process conditioned by a series of predefined parameters resulting in the generation of hybrid DTMs at different scales starting from a single cloud of points obtained through large-scale massive data acquisition processes. The generalization results obtained, applied on different areas of different relief, offer specific application ranks for each parameter with great precision, in contrast with DTMs obtained directly in each scale.     

Mapping the London 2012 Olympics

Abstract

The London 2012 Olympic Games was a true spectacle of sporting achievement. It also provided the impetus for official organisations, news media and individuals to turn the vast amount of data into map form. This paper provides an outline of some of the cartographic highlights (and one or two lowlights) that the Olympics inspired. There were some great maps on view and also some interesting trends emerging, particularly in terms of web maps and web maps used as infographics. In particular, the Dorling cartogram saw widespread use, particularly to map medal tallies by online news media.     

The use of cartographic control points in the harmonization and revision of MRDBs

The main purpose of the research is to achieve fully automated approach for supplying multi-resolution databases with linear objects in each scale. Moreover, the proposed solutions maintain the repeatability and accuracy of output data wherever possible according to the input scale. These properties are achieved by keeping the minimal object dimensions as well as the appropriate data pre-processing, based on the classification of source points. The classification distinguishes three classes of points: constant (unchangeable), temporary, and inherited. These classes build a structure of cartographic control points. Based on these solutions, the authors proposed an algorithm for linear object simplification based on minimal object dimensions and cartographic control points. It was also confirmed that the simplification between constant points does not cause geometry discrepancies in relation to the global simplification of the whole line.     

A Methodological Framework for Researching the Usability of the Space-Time Cube

Abstract

In recent years, an increased interest in the use of the Space-Time Cube (STC) to visualize movement data can be witnessed. However, little is known about whether the cube is truly efficient and effective to satisfactorily display complex movement datasets. The limited usability research that has been done did not lead to details on how the STC content should be designed and whether the cartographic design influences the exploration process. The conceptual framework that is proposed in this paper offers an approach to the evaluation of the STC content with special attention for design aspects and the environment in which the STC has to function. Systematic usability studies have to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the STC under different conditions. Therefore, the framework contains phased studies in which real-world data of four use cases of different complexity are used.     

Recent Maps and Atlases — Map Cabinet

Abstract

There is currently a high demand for spatial data usage within web applications. From a technical viewpoint, web services and geoportals aim to fulfil user requirements; however, the current cartographic methods do not satisfy the needs of the end users. The problem is more challenging when the final map contains data from various sources that have various cartographic characteristics; therefore, the vital information might be located under the base map layer. In this paper, we propose the concept of layer priorities as foreground, middle ground or background, and we propose the two following methods to enhance the symbolisation: polygon overlay and colour saturation methods. The results from two case studies show that these methods can satisfy the requirements of the end users.     

A Synopsis of Nigeria’s Indigenous Cartographic Heritage

Abstract

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Over the ages, Nigerians have had various indigenous ways of spatial representation, otherwise known as ‘alternative cartographies’. Paradoxically, however, the indigenous cartographic heritage of the Nigerian people has altogether remained unsung despite its immense contributions to societal development. This paper, therefore, is a modest attempt aimed at bringing the forgotten issue of Nigeria’s cartographic legacy to the limelight. The paper takes a bird’s-eye look at Nigeria’s homegrown cartographic heritage. The various local means of representing and communicating geospatial information are discussed. The paper equally highlights the invaluable benefits of indigenous cartographic heritage as well as how to preserve such heritage.     

Primitive-based Construction Theory for Diagrams in Thematic Maps

Abstract

To enhance the variety of map symbols and to develop new symbol types, a fundamental understanding of the map symbol construction process is mandatory. Current construction theories focus on diagrams without taking georeferencing or interactivity into account. This paper presents a new methodology for the creation of two-dimensional geometric symbols and diagrams for the application in thematic maps. In this context, 49 diagrams found in cartographic literature were analysed and classified regarding their construction properties. As a result of this research, diagrams can be defined using cartographic primitives which are arranged according to six arrangement principles. Since the variation of the primitive's size according to the data values follows a certain geometric direction, each diagram can be explicitly defined based on the three construction properties 'primitive', 'arrangement principle' and 'data direction'.     

The Present State of Perceptual Research in Cartography

Abstract

This paper discusses the current state of perceptual research concerning cartographic symbols. Initial discussion treats the theories and reasons behind the present popularity of perceptual studies in cartography. It is followed by a summary of the printed materials on this topic appearing in several prominent English language cartographic publications. A person who is newly entering the area of perceptual research in cartography may use this paper as a quick source for obtaining background in the area and thereby save valuable time from sifting through individual sources for information regarding what has already been done. Additional convenience is provided for the reader by the grouping of references according to the subject matter which they concern.