Point Pattern Synthesis

Abstract

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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.     

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.     

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.     

GIS点状符号共享研究

分析了GIS的3种典型符号模型不利于构建地图符号与符号间难以共享的原因,引入了PB符号模型,提出了符号数据共享与符号渲染功能共享相结合的符号共享机制,设计了3类GIS点状符号与PB符号间的映射方法,实现GIS点状符号共享,并利用实验对其进行了验证。     

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.     

A hierarchical spatiotemporal adaptive fusion model using one image pair

ABSTRACT

Image fusion techniques that blend multi-sensor characteristics to generate synthetic data with fine resolutions have generated great interest within the remote sensing community. Over the past decade, although many advances have been made in the spatiotemporal fusion models, there still remain several shortcomings in existing methods. In this article, a hierarchical spatiotemporal adaptive fusion model (HSTAFM) is proposed for producing daily synthetic fine-resolution fusions. The suggested model uses only one prior or posterior image pair, especially with the aim being to predict arbitrary temporal changes. The proposed model is implemented in two stages. First, the coarse-resolution image is enhanced through super-resolution based on sparse representation; second, a pre-selection of temporal change is performed. It then adopts a two-level strategy to select similar pixels, and blends multi-sensor features adaptively to generate the final synthetic data. The results of tests using both simulated and actual observed data show that the model can accurately capture both seasonal phenology change and land-cover-type change. Comparisons between HSTAFM and other developed models also demonstrate our proposed model produces consistently lower biases.     

A method based on graphic entity for visualizing complex map symbols on the web

A method based on graphic entity for map symbol visualization in vector-based web mapping is proposed. The method is especially effective for complex geological symbols. It has three parts: graphic entity library, symbol synthesizer, and synthesis specifications. The design process is described as the application of the method to symbols representing point, line, and polygon features in web mapping. The method works with Flash, SVG, or other mapping technologies. We chose Flash to visualize geological disaster information for the Guangdong province in China. The case study demonstrates that this graphic entity-based method can meet the demands for interactive symbolization and complex symbol visualization in Internet web mapping. It produces good results, is fast, and is easy to operate. This makes it especially suitable for web-mapping applications, especially vector-based and hybrid WebGIS applications which display complex symbols.     

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.     

Assessing the Effectiveness of Dynamic Symbols in Cartographic Communication

Abstract

The age of the Internet poses new challenges to cartography. While cartographic animation has become a practical alternative, it is mostly used to depict both spatio-temporal and non-temporal changes. The paper concentrates on the use of dynamic symbols on a static base map. A visual test was carried out to obtain some perspectives about the cartographic communication of blinking point and line symbols. The results confirmed that dynamic symbols tended to attract the attention of the users in general and even in situations when the foreground–background contrasts were poor. Their effectiveness was more pronounced with symbols of a larger size but tended to diminish with an increasing number of blinking symbols. It was also observed that users were able to perceive differences in the frequency of flickering, particularly when the variation was large. The line animation method (marquee and grow-out) did not yield a substantial difference in visual responses in the case of blinking line symbols.     

Mapping 3D visibility in an urban street environment from mobile LiDAR point clouds

ABSTRACT

Visibility determination is a key requirement in a wide range of national and urban applications, such as national security, landscape management, and urban design. Mobile LiDAR point clouds can depict the urban built environment with a high level of details and accuracy. However, few three-dimensional visibility approaches have been developed for the street-level point-cloud data. Accordingly, an approach based on mobile LiDAR point clouds has been developed to map the three-dimensional visibility at the street level. The method consists of five steps: voxelization of point-cloud data, construction of lines-of-sight, construction of sectors of sight, construction of three-dimensional visible space, and calculation of volume index. The proposed approach is able to automatically measure the volume of visible space and openness at any viewpoint along a street. This approach has been applied to three study areas. The results indicated that the proposed approach enables accurate simulation of visible space as well as high-resolution (1 m × 1 m) mapping of the visible volume index. The proposed approach can make a contribution to the improvement of urban planning and design processes that aim at developing more sustainable built environments.     

一种顾及符号完整性的矢量瓦片地图改进方案

在矢量瓦片地图中,跨网格的要素被分割成多个部分,常常造成点、线、面要素中非均匀符号在网格边界处的不连续,这样不仅影响视觉效果,还容易引发空间认知错误.在保持矢量瓦片数据和样式独立的基础上,提出使用预处理和实时绘制相结合的方法解决这类问题.通过分析不同要素符号在网格边界不连续的类型和原因,提取了不同类型的绘图辅助信息;将...     

Web service for biodiversity estimation using remote sensing data

Abstract

This paper presents a technique for the assessment and mapping of land biodiversity by using remote sensing data. The proposed approach uses a fuzzy model that encapsulates different ecological factors influencing biodiversity. We implemented our approach as a web service for the Pre-Black Sea region of the Ukraine.     

A method for analyzing the expansion and shrinkage of point pattern

This article proposes a new method for analyzing the spatial expansion and shrinkage of point patterns. Spatial expansions of epidemic diseases and market areas are represented as the expansions of point patterns when disease cases and store customers are represented as points. The spatial expansion and shrinkage have been studied in many scientific fields. Existing analytical methods, however, are not sufficient for treating complicated spatiotemporal patterns. To answer this demand, this article develops a new method for analyzing the expansion and shrinkage of points. Three vector measures evaluate the degree and direction of expansion and shrinkage as functions of location and time. They are visualized as vector maps, which are valid for capturing the global spatiotemporal pattern as well as for discussing the local variation. Summary measures of these vectors allow us to grasp the overall spatiotemporal pattern efficiently. To test the validity of the proposed method, this article applies it to the analysis of visitors to Shinjuku and Ginza in Tokyo. The proposed measures permitted us to evaluate the spatiotemporal pattern of the visitors in detail and to consider its underlying structure from various perspectives, which indicated the soundness of the technique.     

Graphically supported evaluation of mapping techniques used in presenting spatial accessibility

ABSTRACT

Given the rising availability of alternative ways of spatial data mapping, there is a growing need to study their usability. An important aspect here is the diversity of the cartographic visualizations that are used to draw conclusions about the usability of various mapping techniques. In our study we evaluated the usability of six various mapping techniques used in presenting spatial accessibility, taking into consideration four components: effectiveness and efficiency (objective criteria) and graphical attractiveness and user-perceived effectiveness (subjective criteria). Using Internet questionnaires, we conducted a graphical perception experiment with respondents performing tasks on a hypothetical monocentric road network model displayed using mapping techniques of spatial accessibility, differing in the applied parameters of graphical and non-graphical factors influencing effectiveness and efficiency. The results showed that non-graphical factors had a greater influence than the graphical factors. In total usability comparison the three-dimensional (3D) point technique was ranked the highest, while the worst result was achieved by the 3D area technique. The proposed graphical form of study results made it possible to compare the influence of various effectiveness factors, to analyze mapping techniques in terms of considered criteria and finally to present their total usability using a chart inspired by Uhorczak’s typogram.     

数字化内业制图测站纠错问题的研究

数字化测图外业全站仪设站中,时常会发生测站点点号或照准点点号错录的情况,当回到内业计算机展点时会发现大量碎步点偏离了其真实位置,如何在内业成图时给予纠正而不需要外业重测是所有测量单位常常会遇到的问题,本文就这一问题进行了一定的探讨。     

International Cartographic Association Technical Conference Montreal/Ottawa 1972

Abstract

Various point symbols have been employed by cartographers to represent component parts of certain phenomena. The pie graph is obviously the most popular of these symbols. At the same time, it is widely condemned for its inability to afford estimations that are close to the latent information. To help overcome this problem, the decagraph is suggested in this paper, as a substitute for the pie graph.     

How do people perceive the disclosure risk of maps? Examining the perceived disclosure risk of maps and its implications for geoprivacy protection

ABSTRACT

This research examines how people subjectively perceive the disclosure risk of a map using original data collected in an online survey with 856 participants. The results indicate that perceived disclosure risk increases as the amount of locational information displayed on a map increases. Compared to point-based maps, perceived disclosure risk is significantly lower for kernel density maps, convex hull maps, and standard deviational ellipse maps. The results also revealed that perceived disclosure risk is affected by map scale and the presence of information of other people on a map. For geomasking methods, perceived disclosure risk decreases as aggregation level increases and as relocation distance increases. However, aggregation methods (point to polygon) are more effective in preventing the re-identification of individuals when compared to relocation methods (point to point). Lastly, the perceived disclosure risk of a map that displays socially-vulnerable people is significantly higher than that of a map that displays non-vulnerable groups. Specifically, a map displaying the private locations of elementary school students has the highest perceived disclosure risk. Based on the results, a set of geoprivacy protection guidelines for mapping people’s private locations to minimize people’s perceived disclosure risk is proposed. Implications for mapping infectious diseases like the COVID-19 are also discussed.     

Large-scale urban functional zone mapping by integrating remote sensing images and open social data

ABSTRACT

Urban functional zones (UFZs) are important for urban sustainability and urban planning and management, but UFZ maps are rarely available and up-to-date in developing countries due to frequent economic and human activities and rapid changes in UFZs. Current methods have focused on mapping UFZs in a small area with either remote sensing images or open social data, but large-scale UFZ mapping integrating these two types of data is still not be applied. In this study, a novel approach to mapping large-scale UFZs by integrating remote sensing images (RSIs) and open social data is proposed. First, a context-enabled image segmentation method is improved to generate UFZ units by incorporating road vectors. Second, the segmented UFZs are classified by coupling Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). In the classification framework, physical features from RSIs and social attributes from POI (Point of Interest) data are integrated. A case study of Beijing was performed to evaluate the proposed method, and an overall accuracy of 85.9% was achieved. The experimental results demonstrate that the presented method can provide fine-grained UFZs, and the fusion strategy of RSIs and POI data can distinguish urban functions accurately. The proposed method appears to be promising and practical for large-scale UFZ mapping.     

Mapping alteration mineral zones and lithological units in Antarctic regions using spectral bands of ASTER remote sensing data

Abstract

Geological mapping is one of the primary tasks of remote sensing. Remote sensing applications are especially useful when extreme environmental conditions inhibit direct survey such as in Antarctica. In this investigation, a satellite-based remote sensing approach was used for mapping alteration mineral zones and lithological units using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data in the Oscar II coast area, north-eastern Graham Land, Antarctic Peninsula. Specialized band ratios and band combinations were developed using visible and near infrared, shortwave infrared (SWIR) and thermal infrared spectral bands of ASTER for detecting alteration mineral assemblages and lithological units in Antarctic environments. Constrained Energy Minimization, Orthogonal Subspace Projection and Adaptive Coherence Estimator algorithms were tested to ASTER SWIR bands for detecting sub-pixels’ abundance of spectral features related to muscovite, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, epidote, chlorite and biotite. Results indicate valuable applicability of ASTER data for Antarctic geological mapping.