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.     

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.     

BinSq: visualizing geographic dot density patterns with gridded maps

ABSTRACT

Dot maps have become a popular way to visualize discrete geographic data. Yet, beyond showing how the data are spatially distributed, dot maps are often visually cluttered in terms of consistency, overlap, and representativeness. Existing clutter reduction techniques like jittering, refinement, distortion, and aggregation also address this issue, but do so by arbitrarily displacing dots from their exact location, removing dots from the map, changing the spatial reference of the map, or reducing its level of detail, respectively. We present BinSq, a novel visualization technique to compare variations in dot density patterns without visual clutter. Based on a careful synthesis of existing clutter reduction techniques, BinSq reduces the wide variety of dot density variations on the map to a representative subset of density intervals that are more distinguishable. The subset is derived from a nested binning operation that introduces order and regularity to the map. Thereafter, a dot prioritization operation improves the representativeness of the map by equalizing visible data values to correspond with the actual data. In this paper, we describe the algorithmic implementation of BinSq, explore its parametric design space, and discuss its capabilities in comparison to six existing clutter reduction techniques for dot maps.     

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。     

Sonic Maps for Hiking—Use of Sound in Enhancing the Map Use Experience

Abstract

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The use of soundscapes on digital maps in order to enrich our experience of the map use has been recognized as a part of other multimedia components in several previous research projects. The study described in this paper was conducted as part of ongoing research projects aiming to develop mobile and web applications for outdoor activities. The research describes the aims of finding new kinds of ways of communicating spatial information, even to those who are visually impaired, and, in general, to provide map users with a profounder use experience. The paper reviews previous studies and describes the sonic map implementations accomplished to date. The implementation examples presented cover a hiking use case in a national park. Sonic maps can help the users to plan their hike in advance and further provide those who are not able to visit the park with a multimodal experience of the atmosphere. Finally, conclusions are given and possible improvements for the future are discussed.     

Arno Peters: The man and his map

Abstract

This paper shows an experiment with tactile maps designed for visually impaired persons. Tests were carried out on a tactile map produced with 3D printing and including a new type of tactile symbols, volumetric symbols (3D). These symbols are localized faster than conventional flat relief symbols, with the same error rate, an improvement in the use of these tactile devices. Moreover, following tests, differences were found between types of participants with blind participants generally carrying out the proposed tasks better than the rest of users.     

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.     

Point grid map: a new type of thematic map for statistical data associated with geographic points

ABSTRACT

Social, economic, and environmental statistical data associated with geographic points are currently globally available in large amounts. When conventional thematic maps, such as proportional symbol maps or point diagram maps, are used to represent these data, the maps appear cluttered if the point data volumes are relatively large or cover a relatively dense region. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new type of thematic map for statistical data associated with geographic points: the point grid map. In a point grid map, an input point data set is transformed into a grid in which each point is represented by a square grid cell of equal size while preserving the relative position of each point, which leads to a clear and uncluttered appearance, and the grid cells can be shaded or patterned with symbols or diagrams according to the attributes of the points. We present an algorithm to construct a point grid map and test it with several simulated and real data sets. Furthermore, we present some variants of the point grid map.     

Representing of contour lines by turning point preserving quadratic splines

Abstract

Terrain data obtained from satellite imagery or by scanning existing contour maps is in raster mode. Such data may be compressed by detecting and storing the critical points of contour lines. When hand digitising a contour map, a trained digitiser operator would usually select points which visually appear to be critical points. Existing interpolation techniques often fail to restore the critical points, including turning points, to their original positions. This article illustrates the use of splines composed of quadratic Bézier curves with monotone curvature for rendering contour lines which are represented only by their turning and end points, such that the positions of the turning points are preserved.     

The Generalised Settlement Area: mapping the Earth surface in the vicinity of built-up areas

ABSTRACT

Geo-information on settlements from Earth Observation offers a base for objective and scalable monitoring of the evolution of cities and settlements, including their location, extent and other attributes. In this work, we deploy the best available global knowledge on the presence of human settlements and built-up structures derived from Earth Observation to advance the understanding of the human presence on Earth. We start from a concept of Generalised Settlement Area to identify the Earth surface within which any built-up structure is present. We further characterise the resulted map by using an agreement map among the state of the art of remote sensing products mapping built-up areas or other strictly related semantic abstractions as urban areas or artificial surfaces. The agreement map is formed by a grid of 1?km², where each cell is classified according to the number of EO-derived products reporting any positive occurrence of the abstractions related to the presence of built-up structures. The paper describes the characteristics of the Generalised Settlement Area, the differences in the agreement map across geographic regions of the world, and outlines the implications for potential users of the EO-derived products used in this study.     

Visual clutter reduction in zoomable proportional point symbol maps

ABSTRACT

Proportional point symbols are commonly used in map displays. However, when such displays are zoomed out, the available map space shrinks and consequently symbols overlap and the display suffers from visual clutter. Therefore, solutions are needed to reduce visual clutter in zoomable map displays that contain proportional point symbols. The authors add to the body of knowledge through the investigation of the performance of three solutions: aggregation of unit areas, the displacement of overlapping symbols, and modified symbolization; four variations of modified symbolization are examined in detail. The original study begins with a consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions, with an emphasis on information loss. Thereafter, user sessions with 165 participants are arranged to gain empirical evidence of the performance of the solutions. The results reveal that although participants zoom out the map to zoom levels that implement visual clutter reduction techniques, they tend to zoom in the map and pan it to examine specific areas. Moreover, they willingly use the map with aggregated unit areas in cases when the solution facilitates task accomplishment. A certain amount of skepticism attaches to the solution that displaces overlapping symbols.     

Legend Layouts for Thematic Maps: A Case Study Integrating Usability Metrics with the Thinking Aloud Method

Abstract

The legend is a critical tool in reading and interpreting a thematic map. The goal of the study reported here is to understand how the legend works as a map is read. The methodology combined usability performance metrics with the thinking aloud method. Subjects were asked to perform two sets of tasks using two thematic maps with different legend layouts. While latency and accuracy of answers for the first set of tasks did not differ significantly between users of the different layouts, users clearly preferred legends that were simple or familiar. The thinking aloud protocols from the second part of the study revealed different patterns of legend comprehension for each legend design. In addition, the study identified four problem-solving strategies that were adopted by the subjects. Finally, some principles for designing legends were developed from the results of the study.     

Evaluating data stability in aggregation structures across spatial scales: revisiting the modifiable areal unit problem

ABSTRACT

Socioeconomic and health analysts commonly rely on areally aggregated data, in part because government regulations on confidentiality prohibit data release at the individual level. Analytical results from areally aggregated data, however, are sensitive to the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). Levels of aggregation as well as the arbitrary and modifiable sizes, shapes, and arrangements of zones affect the validity and reliability of findings from analyses of areally aggregated data. MAUP, long acknowledged, remains unresolved. We present an exploratory spatial data analytical approach (ESDA) to understand the scalar effects of MAUP. To characterize relationships between data aggregation structures and spatial scales, we develop a method for statistically and visually exploring the local indicators of spatial association (LISA) exhibited between a variable and itself across varying levels of aggregation. We demonstrate our approach by analyzing the across-scale relationships of aggregated 2010 median income for the State of Pennsylvania and 2005–2009 cancer diagnosis rates for the State of New York between county–tract, tract–block group, and county–block group level US census designated enumeration units. This method for understanding the relationship between MAUP and spatial scale provides guidance to researchers in selecting the most appropriate scales to aggregate, analyze, and represent data for problem-specific analyses.     

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.     

Visual Abstraction and Stylisation of Maps

Abstract

We explore visual map abstraction for the generation of stylized renderings of 2D map data. We employ techniques that are centred around the concept of shape simplification and graph layout and that allow iterative abstraction of 2D maps. We use data from publicly available sources and show how we can iteratively generate aesthetic renditions of these maps. These renditions do not have the goal to allow for navigation tasks, but instead show the map data in a distorted manner. The techniques used to create these images apply simplification, abstraction/generalisation, and displacement operations to the map elements in varying orders and add stylistic shading to produce aesthetic renditions for print or electronic displays. The degree of abstraction/generalisation can be individually chosen and determines the characteristics of the distorted map: whether components retain their shape, degenerate, or are processed in a manner that the abstraction becomes the focus of the image rather than the underlying map data. The renditions can be further personalized by choosing shading and colours for this shading. Together, the presented techniques allow for playful and creative exploration of aesthetic renditions of 2D map data.     

基于空间信息网格的数字地图分幅(块)方法

针对传统地图分幅方法的缺陷,本文提出了一种既适合数字环境又充分考虑到地球空间的自然特征和社会属性特点的地图分幅新方法。它以不破坏地物和区域的完整性为划分原则,根据分辨率和区域内地理信息的数量决定图块大小,块内每个地理实体都有一个行政区划代码属性和标识码。这种数字地图分块方法将地理区按行政体系或自然区划划分为地理空间单元,对每个空间单元记录和存储各种基础地理要素,建立空间单元地理数据文件。这种地理空间的划分和空间数据的组织方法为空间索引提供了方便,更为空间统计提供了便利。它既是空间位置的划分方法,也是特定空间位置范围内自然、社会、经济属性的信息载体,同时也是适合时空坐标系变化的空间信息的一种新的表示方法,是为了更方便地在网格计算环境下实现对空间信息资源的整合、共享与利用。     

Mastering the Niger. James MacQueen’s African Geography and the Struggle Over Atlantic Slavery

Abstract

Since the publication of the first waterway map in 1990, the Inland Waterways of Britain series has expanded to a total of twenty three individual maps, a national route planning map, the first ring atlas and a directory of the inland waterways which explores aspects of preservation, restoration and heritage. Many of the titles have featured in walking guides, directories, promotional literature and web sites. This paper outlines the development of the series from the first map, describing the maps themselves, tracking the evolution of production methodologies, defining marketing and sales strategies and discussing the decision-making processes behind the publication and introduction of new titles.     

New measures for analysis and comparison of shape distortion in world map projections

ABSTRACT

World maps can have quite different depictions of reality depending on the projection adopted, and this can influence our perception of the world. In this respect, shape is a significant property that needs to be considered, especially when representing large regions in general-purpose world maps. A map projection distorts most geometric properties (area, distance, direction/angle, shape, and specific curves) and usually preserves a single property or provides a compromise between different properties when transforming terrestrial features from globe to plane. The distortions are mainly classified based on area, distance and direction/angle and analyzed with Tissot’s theorem. However, this theorem offers a local (pointwise) solution, so the distortion assessment is valid at infinitesimal scale (i.e. for very small regions). For this reason, different approaches are required to analyze the distortions at finite scale (i.e. for larger regions). However, there are very few attempts at analyzing and comparing shape distortion of landmasses in world map projections owing to the fact that shape measurement is difficult and usually involves measuring different characteristics. Seeking to fill this gap, in this study, compactness and elongation distortion measures are introduced. In this regard, 16 world map projections are analyzed and compared with these distortion measures in a GIS environment, based on map datasets of continents and countries. An analysis of the effect of the levels of detail of the datasets is also presented.     

Continuity markers as an aid for children in finding the peripheral continuity of world maps

ABSTRACT

Many map readers, including both children and adults, find it difficult to determine where they would be located along the edge of a world map after crossing that edge. Different types of markers have long been drawn close to the map’s edge – for example, in an atlas – to help map readers identify the map upon which they will find themselves if that edge is passed. In this study, a method similar to that used to show the continuity between maps in an atlas has been tested to determine whether continuity markers can also be used to help map readers find a world map’s actual peripheral continuity. The study involved children between the ages of 10 and 13 years and showed that continuity markers do help children determine the map’s actual peripheral continuity, in combination with a lesson that describes how to find the actual peripheral continuity of a world map. This article, therefore, concludes that continuity markers for world maps can be a useful part of map design that clarifies how the edges of a world map fit together for children who have learned to use this tool.     

'Here is the Beech tree!' Understanding Tactile Maps in the Field

Abstract

This paper presents a successful approach to learning tactile map skills in the field. During a three-phase project, visually impaired primary school children explored a route between a field studies centre and the village church. The first stage involved using non-visual senses to discover specific landmarks and the character of the parkland surroundings. Secondly, the children made their own tactile sketch maps of the route, and discussed the choice of symbols for a vacuum formed tactile map of the study area. Finally, a more detailed exploration of the route was accomplished with the help of a tactile map that set the path in the context of its surroundings.