An efficient method for rendering linear symbols on 3D terrain using a shader language

With the extensive application of virtual geographic environments and the rapid development of 3D visualization analysis, the rendering of complex vector lines has attracted significant attention. Although there are many rendering algorithms in 3D geographic information system (GIS), they are not sufficiently flexible to meet the requirements for rendering linear symbols composed of diverse colors and shapes. However, the interactive rendering of a scene and the accuracy of the symbols are important components for large-scale, complex vector lines. In this paper, we propose a graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated algorithm for rendering linear symbols on 3D terrain. Symbol rendering is embedded within the terrain-rendering process, and vector lines are encoded in a 3D texture and then transferred to the GPU. A set of visual properties are used to enrich the expression of symbols with the help of geometric operations in the fragment shader. A series of experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can be utilized for drawing various pixel-exact linear symbols and can achieve real-time rendering efficiency.     

面向GIS的矢量线状符号填充算法研究

该文分析了GIS中矢量线状符号的特点与基本构成,提出了一种高效且通用的矢量线状符号的填充算法。该算法通过对构成矢量线状符号的几何图元进行旋转、变形、裁减等处理,可以实现对各种线状符号的填充,大大提高了算法的通用性和绘制效率。     

The evolution of a graduated symbol software package in a changing graphics environment

Abstract

The paper describes the developmental history of a software package for computer-assisted drafting of graduated symbol maps. Given the machinery prevalent 10 years ago, the first version was implemented on a mini-computer with vector-oriented devices, such as mechanical plotters and storage tube terminals. The programs provide functions for plotting graduated symbols of various forms, legends and Line drawing. To improve map legibility the hidden areas in cases of overlapping symbols are removed. The visual separation of the symbols is enhanced by a halo effect, a small gap between the symbols, or the symbols and map background. New hardware required the reprogramming of the package to exploit the extended capabilities of new computers and graphic devices, including colour and hardware area fill. To increase flexibility, portability and maintainability, the graphic standard GKS (Graphical Kernel System) has been used as a device-independent software interface for the third generation of the package.     

How Textbooks Influence the Curriculum in Geography

Abstract

In this study, pairs of students in fifth and seventh grade generated and answered questions based on maps. More than 90 percent of the questions they generated made sense with reference to the map on which they were based. Each of these questions was coded in terms of both its informational content (symbols, latitude and longitude, and scale) and the process by which a map user obtains the information from the map (map reading, map interpreting, map inferring). Results indicated that students most often generated three types of questions, which together accounted for more than 80 percent of all the questions: 1) read symbol, 2) infer latitude and longitude, and 3) interpret scale. Qualitatively, the questions were analyzed for what they revealed about student confusion about map content. Problems with all three aspects of map content were common among both fifth- and seventh-grade students. The problem-posing technique proved useful for evaluating student's knowledge.     

环境制图中数量特征的表示方法研究

对环境制图中反映数量特征的定点符号法,包括几种连续和分级比率符号、非比率分级符号以及相关内容数量特征的表示进行了具体分析比较.对表示要素数量特征面状分布的网格法和等值线法,也结合实例进行了评述.     

地理信息系统图例库的研究

图例库是地理信息系统（ＧＩＳ）的有机组成部分,开发灵活实用的图例库是研制ＧＩＳ软件的重要内容之一,关系到ＧＩＳ成果图形表达的科学性。借鉴ＩＮＴＥＲＧＲＡＰＨ／ＩＧＤＳ的图例库设计思想,引入“符合集合”及“操作函数”的概念,从图例库的基本内涵、实体内容及主要操作等几方面论述了作者对图例库的研究成果。     

地形图点状符号自动识别中不变性特征参数的提取

特征参数的抽取,是实现地形图中点状符号自动识别的关键。本文根据点状符号在扫描图中可能出现的旋转、缩放等情况,归纳和总结出了４种易于计算的不变性特征,并给出了这些特征的提取方法和部分实验结果。这４种特征参数是:复杂度——用以描述符号外围的复杂程度;扁率——用以反映符号的扁平程度;比重——符号的黑色部分在其整个覆盖区域中所占的比例;偏心率——用以反映符号重心与符号的几何中心的偏离程度。这４种特征参数具有旋转不变性和大小不变性,且便于提取、容易计算。     

The Use of Environmental Features on Tactile Maps by Navigators Who Are Blind

Maps designed for and used by sighted audiences benefit from map symbol standardization and convention but, with very limited exception (most notably two European projects), neither standardization nor convention guides the design and use of symbols for tactile maps. In this project, we developed and field tested symbolization for and use of tactile street maps. The development process included consultation with the literature as well as with field experts (orientation and mobility teachers, Braillists, and teachers working with students who are blind or have low vision). Following development, we undertook a three-year field testing and validation phase, in which we conducted pilot testing and formal testing with travelers who are blind or have low vision. Research results reveal not only a discriminable and useful tactile symbol set but also environmental feature use by travelers who are blind or have low vision.     

地图符号的语言学机制及其应用研究

分析并总结地图语言学在GIS技术影响下的发展、变化;通过分析当今地图语言的新特点,阐述地图符号的定义;从语言学角度分析地图符号的语言学机制并提出地图符号的语义概念模型。最后简述该模型在地图符号软件中的应用。     

地理信息可视化中的二元方法论

作为一种方法论的探索,以二元分析为基本方法,初步探讨和形成了地理信息可视化二元概念模型 ,力求构建一个简单的、易于被人们理解和接受的地理信息可视化理论框架。文章首先从地理学、语言学、哲学等方面阐述了二元方法论的理论基础,然后以符号语言学为范式,从地理信息可视化的所指与能指两个方面展开,阐述地理信息可视化二元方法论的主要内容;最后得出结论。研究表明:①地理信息具有二元性,它包括时间与空间二元 、瞬时与历时二元、空间几何与空间属性二元、定性与定量二元;②地图设计也具有二元性,它们是地图整体样式与个体符号二元、符号外观与内在二元、形状与尺寸二元、色彩与纹理二元。     

城市三维地理信息系统中三维模型的快速构建方法

大规模三维模型的快速构建一直是影响城市三维地理信息系统(3DUGIS)发展的一个重要因素.基于3DUGIS中景观模型的表达原则与分类,分别针对抽象的点、线、面状对象提出符号匹配和三角剖分的批量三维模型构建方法.这种建模方法方便、快捷、自动化程度高,可广泛应用于城市景观中地面、河流、道路、绿地、规则建筑物、地下管线等地物的三维建模.通过对上述三维模型快速构建方法的实现,验证了三维模型生成的效果和效率.     

Geographical Publications

Abstract

Using Gardner's Multiple Intelligences framework to teach map symbols to upper elementary school students can effectively communicate essential map content while allowing students to develop in all areas of intelligence. Curricular activities based on the seven intelligences initially identified by Gardner help students not only to recognize and practice their strengths but to stretch beyond their strengths to practice their less-developed intelligences. This article briefly reviews Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and describes multiple intelligences-inspired tasks for learning fundamental concepts about map symbols.     

我国九个农业经济自然区土壤背景值图的编制

总结了我国九个省区主要经济自然区土壤污染元素背景值图编制中取得的一些主要经验与成果。     

专题地图符号构成元素的研究*

在分析地图传输论和符号视觉变量的基础上,提出了地图符号构成元素。指出了符号构成元素由位置、形状、色彩(括色相、纯度和亮度)、尺寸(括大小、粗细、长短和分割比例)、网纹(括排列和疏密)、方向和注记(括文字数字、字体字级)组成。研究出了符号构成元素的设计模式为:选择,叠置或匹配,强化或减弱,拉伸或压缩。并讨论了符号构成元素的设计步骤。     

论旅游地图编制内容更新的若干问题

本文是在《新疆维吾尔自治区旅游图》、《新疆与周边国家导游图》、《丝绸之路图》的编制实践中,结合目前市场上出版发行的十多种旅游地图进行比较分析,进而指出从中发现的问题,提出区域性旅游地图编制内容更新值得探讨的若干问题。     

Beyond Abstract Map Symbols

Abstract

Crucial aspects of the referent phenomena which provide the subject matter for cartographic symbolism are often overlooked by map interpreters in their haste to “read maps at a glance.” The blame rests largely on those practitioners of the environmental sciences who stress the simple, intuitive nature of maps, while effectively ignoring the true complexity of the cartographic communication process. Those persons who are responsible for traditional map interpretation training programs are also at fault for implying, through long emphasis, that symbol identification, position location, and navigation constitute the essence of map analysis. The intuitive acceptability of map symbols in spite of their abstract character is also a deceptive factor. The fact that there is far “more than meets the eye” to map interpretation is easily demonstrated by looking closely at several basic cartographic symbols. In order to become an effective map user the environmental scientist apparently must go well beyond the mastery of conventional map reading principles and learn to deal with diverse informational dimensions in the context of the map use purpose and the physical/cultural make-up of the geographical region under study.     

基于规则的植被地图综合的研究

植被地图综合是专题地图综合的一个特例,需要遵循地理数据综合规则,以解决因表达空问缩小而造成的地物要素间的冲突问题,确保图面上图形表达的合理、清晰和美观;同时植被地图综合也要遵循植被分布自身的规律。该文主要研究和分析影响植被地图综合的主要规则,首先描述植被地图的特征,在此基础上分析讨论影响植被地图综合的主要综合规则,并简要介绍了用于表达综合规则的产生式规则方法,用实例描述了这些规则在植被地图综合各个阶段的应用和结果,以此来反映综合规则在植被地图综合过程中的重要性。     

1:25万《毛乌素风沙地貌图》的编制

风沙地貌图是认识和研究沙漠（沙地）最基本的图件。毛乌素沙漠沙丘类型复杂多样,对毛乌素沙漠风沙地貌进行详细划分,编制《毛乌素风沙地貌图》对深入研究毛乌素沙漠风沙地貌成因、分布和演化规律具有重要意义。根据编图范围和印刷纸张的要求,将《毛乌素风沙地貌图》的比例尺确定为1∶25万。选用1∶10万地形图作为基础资料,并以1∶5万地形图和1∶20万地质图作为补充资料;专题内容资料以landset-8卫星影像为主,结合Google Earth影像对部分细节内容进行补充。在形态成因相关分析的基础上建立地貌分类体系,将毛乌素沙漠地貌划分为风成地貌、湖成地貌、流水地貌、干燥地貌、黄土地貌和其他等6类,其中风成地貌是本图重点展示的内容。根据毛乌素沙漠的地貌特征,采用图例系统和地貌晕渲相结合的方法表示毛乌素沙漠的具体地貌类型,其中图例系统包括底色、符号、代码和注记等多种表示方法,地貌晕渲的使用增强了地貌的立体感,使地图看起来更加美观。     

1:40万《腾格里沙漠地貌图》的编制

腾格里沙漠虽经过多次小规模专题考察,始终未见有沙漠专题地图编制出版,多数只作为专著中的插图加以表现。为此,编制《腾格里沙漠地貌图》显得十分重要,不仅能反映出腾格里沙漠的全貌,还能体现沙漠发展规律、演变特点、分布特征等。依据腾格里沙漠的图幅范围、地貌类型以及印刷纸张规格的要求,将《腾格里沙漠地貌图》的比例尺定为1∶40万。选用1∶25万地形图作为地理基础底图,采用1∶10万地形图作为沙丘符号编绘过渡性的工作底图,专题内容编绘以Google Earth影像资料为主。《腾格里沙漠地貌图》的地貌类型包括风积地貌、风蚀地貌以及其他地貌,其中风积地貌是重点展示的内容。根据腾格里沙漠地貌类型,在编图过程中共设计了16种形态结构类型符号,采用分层设色表示沙丘相对高度,用箭头符号表示沙丘移动方向。     

Progressive vector compression for high-accuracy vector map data

With the increase in the number of applications using digital vector maps and the development of surveying techniques, a large volume of GIS (geographic information system) vector maps having high accuracy and precision is being produced. However, to achieve their effective transmission while preserving their high positional quality, these large amounts of vector map data need to be compressed. This paper presents a compression method based on a bin space partitioning data structure, which preserves a high-level accuracy and exact precision of spatial data. To achieve this, the proposed method a priori divides a map into rectangular local regions and classifies the bits of each object in the local regions to three types of bins, defined as category bin (CB), direction bin (DB), and accuracy bin (AB). Then, it encodes objects progressively using the properties of the classified bins, such as adjacency and orientation, to obtain the optimum compression ratio. Experimental results verify that our method can encode vector map data constituting less than 20% of the original map data at a 1-cm accuracy degree and that constituting less than 9% at a 1-m accuracy degree. In addition, its compression efficiency is greater than that of previous methods, whereas its complexity is lower for close to real-time applications.