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.     

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.     

Deconstructing Galbraith: A Geostatistical Analysis of Cartographic Intent

Abstract

This study uses cartometric techniques to reveal cartographic design considerations operative in Frank H. Galbraith’s 1897 railway mail service training maps. Galbraith’s maps make extensive use of humorous cartouches intended to serve as mnemonic devices for learning railway mail service routes. Poisson and quadrat point pattern analyses are performed on all eight maps in the series to determine whether the mimetic symbols are clustered along the railway mail routes or dispersed throughout the mapped spaces to achieve better graphic balance. Evidence overwhelmingly indicates that the placement of the mnemonic symbols was primarily driven by design considerations. The study therefore proves that it is possible to use cartometric techniques to deconstruct the map document to determine the cartographic design principles operative during the map's construction.     

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.     

Point Pattern Synthesis

Abstract

title/>

Patterns consisting of point symbols are commonly applied to symbolize land cover. Tree symbols, for example, indicate forested areas; small irregular dots show quarries and pits; or regular line symbols represent a vineyard. This paper presents an automatic method for synthesizing patterns consisting of one or more point symbols. Symbols of varying sizes or graphical appearance can be combined according to user-defined ratios. The automatic method generates patterns of regularly or irregularly distributed symbols. It ensures that symbols do not overlap and do not graphically conflict with other map features. The method has been implemented in a free plug-in for the Adobe Illustrator vector graphics editor.     

Symbol Store: sharing map symbols for emergency management

Maps are a primary means for supporting information sharing and collaboration in emergency management and crisis situations. While a variety of formalized map symbol standards for emergency contexts exist, they have not been widely adopted by mapmakers. Informal symbol conventions are commonly used within emergency management stakeholder groups, but until now there has not been a flexible mechanism for discovering, sharing, and previewing these symbol sets among mapmakers. In this paper, we describe the design and development of the Symbol Store, a visually enabled, web-based interactive tool intended to help mapmakers share point symbols. The Symbol Store allows users to browse symbols by keyword, category tags, and contributors. It also allows for symbols to be previewed on realistic maps prior to download. An initial prototype of the Symbol Store was evaluated by flood mapping experts from the State of California, and the results of this user study led to multiple refinements now implemented in the public version of Symbol Store located at www.symbolstore.org.     

The World of Touch: Results of an International Survey of Tactile Maps and Symbols

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of an international survey that collected data on production methods, techniques, outputs and design preferences among tactile map producers, designers and researchers worldwide. A number of consistencies and inconsistencies are identified and we speculate on the extent to which the current state of tactile map production is likely to meet the needs of the client population. We describe the sample on which the report is based, the output in terms of quantity of maps produced, choice of production method, types of environment mapped and intended uses of maps. We also focus on issues of map design, such as the choice of map size and format, and choice of symbols.     

Tactile cartography: another view of tactile cartographic symbols

Abstract

Building on past research into the efficacy of symbols on tactile maps an attempt is made to synthesise the findings of investigations into tactile mapping. Conclusions regarding the most readable symbols, point, line and area, are given.     

基于皮尔斯符号三元观的专题地图符号设计

作为专题地图的重要组成部分,符号始终受到广泛关注,不少学者对符号的设计方法提出了见解,然而少有学者从符号意义的角度系统研究地图符号设计。以皮尔斯的符号三元观为基础,结合专题地图特点,建立了"符号组成要素-符号表现层面-符号结构"的理论基础;并根据视觉变量的特征,阐述不同表现层面下的符号设计方法;以《深圳市地图集》中的3幅地图为例,介绍了具体的符号表达策略。     

计算机制图中线状符号配置的代数运算

本文根据线状符号的特征,介绍代数运算在绘制地图线状符号中的应用。利用二元运算,将符号图案和线状要素的轴线作为运算元素,从而使符号的配置过程独立于具体的符号或图形。同一程序几乎能完成所有线状符号的绘制。利用变换作为运算定义的基础,分析了变换在符号配置中的特点,使二元运算的定义简单清晰。最后还根据运算的特点,介绍了解决线状符号在交叉处衔接的问题。     

A Similarity-Based Approach for Improving the Efficiency of Drawing Spatiotemporal Point Features

ABSTRACT

The mapping of spatiotemporal point features plays an important role in geovisualization. However, such mapping suffers from low efficiency due to computational redundancy when similar symbols are used to visualize spatiotemporal point features. This paper presents a similarity-based approach to predict and avoid computational redundancy, which improves mapping efficiency. First, to identify computational redundancy, the similarity of point symbols is measured based on commonalities in symbol graphics and symbol drawing operations. Second, a similarity-enhanced method is proposed to comprehensively predict and avoid computational redundancies when mapping spatiotemporal point features. This approach was tested using two real-world spatiotemporal datasets. The results suggest that the proposed approach offers relatively large performance improvements.     

Scree Representation on Topographic Maps

Abstract

<title/>

Scree patterns are an important element of mountain maps in Swiss style. The size and density of scree dots vary with the exposition towards a source of illumination, which makes the dots extremely labour intensive to map without specialized algorithms. This paper identifies design principles for the symbolisation of scree fields on mountain slopes and presents a digital method for the quick placement of dot symbols requiring only minimal interventions by a cartographer. When digitally produced scree is combined with a shaded relief and a rock drawing, the terrain appears as a continuous three-dimensional surface to the reader. The described method is implemented in Scree Painter, a specialized free open-source software application. Scree patterns produced with Scree Painter match the quality standards of manually generated scree representations.     

EXPANSION OF PAPER AS AFFECTING BEARING

Abstract

The problem of the influence of the paper itself on bearings taken off maps or plans has been recently discussed by G. T. M. in this Review (iii, 22, 479). The following alternative method of solving the problem may be of interest; the same figure and symbols are used as in the article mentioned.     

Generating and mapping population density surfaces within a geographical information system

Abstract

The spatially discontinuous choropleth map is a poor representation of the underlying continuous distribution of population density. A possible alternative is to derive dasymetric maps at a fine spatial resolution by making use of satellite imagery in a geographical information system. However, there are cartographic problems when these maps are displayed and further processing is needed in order to obtain approximations to a continuous density surface. Isarithmic maps of these density surfaces retain a high degree of spatial accuracy while providing pleasing and highly adaptable presentations.

The methods used to generate dasymetric and isarithmic maps are readily implemented in most raster based geographical information systems. For example, the classification of remotely sensed imagery, the subsequent processing and integration of data, and most of the cartographic display, were all undertaken in this work using the low cost IDRISI GIS that operates on standard IBM PC compatible hardware.     

运用对象组合(OC)技术建构线状符号库

采用面向对象的符号制作、管理方法 ,对线状地图符号的构图规律及其设计、编辑、输出等作了详细的阐述 ,介绍了笔者所提出的一种建构符号库的基本思想 ,设计并实现了一种用于线状符号库的存储数据结构     

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.     

Real World Map Reading Strategies

Abstract

A main component of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is the navigation system to be used in the 'intelligent' vehicle. In fact, driving a vehicle is a complex task as the driver has to control the vehicle as well as make decisions about getting to his/her destination. Too much information on the map (i.e. a complex map) would confuse the driver, while too little information would not be sufficient for the user to compare with the actual environment. Sufficient information but poorly presented would also result in confusion.

This paper reports on a study of the design of dynamic maps for land vehicle navigation through an investigation of different designs with different levels of information contents and visual effects using various dynamic variables. Different colours were assigned to the road and building names according to the position of the vehicle, and blinking symbols were used to indicate direction restrictions. Also, a set of maps with different degrees of complexity was designed such that the users would be provided with different levels of contents and representation by zooming in and out. The effectiveness of the design was investigated in the map evaluation process.     

Elements of viral cartography

ABSTRACT

Making and sharing maps is easier than ever, and social media platforms make it possible for maps to rapidly attain widespread visibility and engagement. Such maps can be considered examples of viral cartography – maps that reach rapid popularity via social media dissemination. In this research we propose a framework for evaluating the design and social dissemination characteristics of viral maps. We apply this framework in two case studies using maps that reached wide audiences on Twitter. We then analyze collections of maps derived from and inspired by viral maps using image analysis and machine learning to characterize their design elements. Based on our initial work to conceptualize and analyze virality in cartography, we propose a set of new research challenges to better understand viral mapmaking and leverage its social affordances.     

灾害保障图可视化表达规律探究

探讨了灾害保障图的研究现状,基于"区域灾害系统"理论,给出了灾害保障图较为翔实的定义和分类,并着重从表达内容、表示方法、表现形式和符号设计方面对其可视化表达规律进行了探究。     

Stylistic Diversity in European State 1 : 50 000 Topographic Maps

Abstract

To what extent do European state topographic maps exhibit unique styles of cartography? This paper describes an investigation to classify and analyse stylistic diversity in the official 1 : 50 000 topographical mapping of 20 European countries. The method involves the construction of a typology of cartographic style, based upon the classification of distinct graphical legend symbols into mutually exclusive thematic categories. In order to identify stylistic similarities between national symbologies, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to compare the relative proportions of symbols within each category. This was complemented by a qualitative analysis of various aspects of cartographic design: colour, 'white' space, visual hierarchy, and lettering. The results indicate a high degree of stylistic diversity throughout Europe, with the symbologies of Great Britain and Ireland demonstrating the strongest example of a supranational style. The typology of cartographic symbologies is shown to be an effective method for determining stylistic association among maps of differing geographical (and potentially historical) origins and it is suggested that the cartographic language paradigm should be revisited as a means for understanding why national differences persist in state cartography. A version of this paper was presented at the Twenty-third International Cartographic Conference in Moscow.