Organization of Feature-, Time-, and Location-Based Mental Models

This study considers how mental models are encoded into memory by viewing visual displays like maps. A mental model is an internal representation of a situation that links objects or concepts to other objects or concepts. Previous studies indicated location-based mental models are encoded when a series of propositional statements such as the object is in the location are read from a text. Evidence that locations were being used as the basic container for an organization of mental models is provided by a significant fan effect. A fan effect shows an increase in reaction time with the number of models considered when making a decision. Features, times, and locations were considered as possible containers in the mental models. Subjects created location-based mental models, but also encoded feature-based mental models. A reverse fan effect for time, found for a map animation, suggested the order of the presentation of maps could greatly affect the structure of learned information.     

GeoVisuals: a visual analytics approach to leverage the potential of spatial videos and associated geonarratives

ABSTRACT

Videos embedded with spatial coordinates, especially when combined with additional expert insights, offer the potential to acquire fine-scale multi-time period contextualized data for a variety of different environments. However, while these geospatial multimedia (GSMM) data include abundant spatiotemporal, semantic and visual information, the means to fully leverage their potential using a suite of visual and interactive analysis techniques and tools has thus far been lacking. In this paper, we address this gap by first identifying the types of tasks required of GSMM data, and then presenting a solution platform. This GeoVisuals system utilizes a visual analysis approach built on semantic data points that can be integrated spatially, which in turn enables management in a unified database with combined spatio-temporal and text querying. A set of visualization functions are integrated in two investigation modes: geo-video analysis and geo-location analysis.     

BELGIAN COASTAL EROSION

This is one of a series of geest articles written on invitation by senior memgers of the geographic profession     

ON THE LETTERING OF MAPS

This is one of a series of guest articles written on invitation by senior members of the geographic profession.     

EMINENCE AMONG GEOGRAPHERS

This is one of a series of guest articles written on invitation by senior members of the geographic profession.     

ASSESSING DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE PROBABILITIES FROM ABBREVIATED WEATHER RECORDS

This is one of a series of guest articles written on invitation by senior members of the geographic profession.     

Book Reviews

Abstract

This paper summarizes a research project conducted to investigate the strategies developed by middle school students to solve a route-finding problem using Arc View GIS software. Three different types of route-finding strategies were identified. Some students were visual route-finders and used a highly visual strategy; others were logical route finders and used GIS software tools to apply a more analytical and systematic approach. A third group were transitional route-finders who used an approach that showed evidence of one that was shifting from a visual strategy to one that was more logical. The findings suggest that to be most effective, GIS teaching and curriculum development strategies should begin with an assessment of student understanding of spatial relationships and continue with a progression that spirals according to the evolution of student cognitive mapping skills over time.     

Remotely-sensed data as an information source for geographical information systems in natural resource management a review

Abstract

Remotely-sensed image data have long served as a primary source of information for. geographical information systems (GIS), with the transformation of data to information provided by visual image interpretation. Digital image data, in combination with recent advances in computer technology, currently allow visual image interpretation to be realised in a completely digital processing environment. However, it remains desirable to capitalize even further on the potential of digital image data for GIS, through the use of schemes involving automated data processing. The opportunities for, and impediments to, such schemes are considered here with particular reference to the provision of information for natural resource management. It is concluded that further—although foreseeable—developments in both research and technology will be required before fully operational procedures for the automated acquisition of GIS information from image data can be established.     

Editorial: A Suxmer of Geography

Abstract

Oklahoma, A Guide to the Sooner State. Compiled by Kent Ruth and the staff of The University of Oklahoma Press, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, Oklahoma, 1957. 532 pp. $5.95.

Virginia Creed. Life in Europe: France. The Fideler Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1956. A supplementary geography text book on France, one of a ten-book series entitled Life In Europe. 160 pages with illustrations, glossary, and index. $3.28.

G. Etzel Pearcy and Associates. World Political Geography. Thomas Y. Crowell &; Company, New York, 1957, pp. 734.

J. Paul Goode; Edward B. Espenshade, Jr. (ed.). Goode's World Atlas, 10th edition. Rand, McNally and Company, Chicago, 1957, xvi and 272 pages including 160 pages of maps.     

Map Use by Adults with Visual Impairments

In this paper we summarize five experiments that were designed to investigate how tactile maps contribute to the cognitive maps of people with visual impairments. In two experiments we demonstrated that tactile maps can contribute to peoples' ability to learn a route through an unfamiliar area. From the results of two further studies, we argue that compared to people with sight, people with visual impairments have greater difficulty encoding information from a map. We considered this directly in a fifth experiment by investigating how people with visual impairments search and learn a map. We found that they used less efficient strategies than people with sight. We conclude that tactile maps are an important source of geographical information when people need to learn about new environments, but we also point out that to benefit most from tactile maps people need to encode the map information as effectively as possible. As people with visual impairments do not always use the most appropriate encoding strategies we suggest that tactile map users might benefit from greater experience and training in map encoding strategies.     

Video support in teaching about geographic information systems: a review of six videotapes

Abstract

Abstract. The growing interest in teaching about geographic information systems (GIS) raises a number of issues concerning the effectiveness of conventional instructional methods. To convey basic GIS concepts and applications better requires much more emphasis upon visual media. One such medium is that of VHS (or Beta) videotapes. Six currently-available GIS-oriented videotapes are reviewed for this purpose. Their contents are summarized and an evaluation is made of the usefulness of each in classroom-based GIS instruction.     

WyomingView: No-Cost Remotely Sensed Data for Geographic Education

Abstract

Learning enhanced by visual examples and remotely sensed imagery is a valuable classroom resource for teaching students geographic concepts in a meaningful context. Barriers to the use of imagery include difficulty finding appropriate imagery and the cost of moderate resolution satellite imagery. A program in Wyoming called WyomingView and analogous programs in other states are providing no-cost, preprocessed satellite imagery delivered over the Internet that can help teachers better communicate geospatial knowledge to their students.     

Technical Note The b-function and variable stream buffer mapping: a note on ‘A GIS method for riparian water quality buffer generation’

Abstract

Mapping variable stream buffers in a vector environment in which buffer width values are delineated often yields inaccurate results. Possible vector solutions are either ineffective or inefficient, An alternate raster approach is presented here in which a buffer effectiveness-achievement function (b-function) is introduced to map desirable buffer zones at an individual cell level based upon areal differentiations in physical and ecological conditions. The implementation of b-function is made feasible by a GIS procedure devised in this article. This tested method can be extended to a variety of variable buffer studies, such as visual buffers, noise buffers, greenways, and urban natural buffers.

‘A robe can never be made of the fur from one fox's axillae’ (A Chinese idiom).     

Teaching Methods,the Herbartian Revolution and Douglas Clay Ridgley at Illinois State Normal University

Abstract

Teaching methods in the 1880s and 1890s were influenced by the energies and publications of the Herbartians from Illinois State Normal University. Memorization was replaced by inductive questioning, field trips and the use of visual aids. Four men and one woman were followed by Douglas Clay Ridgley who built up the geography major and made tools for the teachers. Name recognition is now weak but much of what they taught is now accepted and practiced.     

The Photographic Essay in Geographic Instruction

Abstract

Among the many instructional media techniques available for use in geographic education, slides are probably more frequently utilized than most other visual aids. Unfortunately, all too often not enough attention is given to establishing objectives and, then, organizing the slides accordingly for effective learning. In this paper a media technique which has not been generally exploited in geographic instruction, the photograpihc essay, is examined. The procedures for planning and executing a photo essay are explained along with a discussion of some basic principles of photo composition. It is proposed that both students and teachers at the elementary and secondary level will find this learning activity stimulating and fun.     

Real-time data collection quality assurance models in three-dimensional spatial information systems

Abstract

Databases used in geographical information systems must be supplied with current data. Maps are usually out of date when they are published. Satellite imagery and aerial photographs supply up-to-date three-dimensional data. Three different models for real-time quality assurance control in three-dimensional data collection for geographical information systems are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the visual detection of ‘blunders’ in three-dimensional data. One data collection quality assurance model has been implemented in the Photogrammetric Analysis Laboratory at Purdue University. An example from this system is given and the precision and speed of digitization of three-dimensional data are discussed.     

宫颈癌发生与血浆RelB和PSMD10蛋白质表达调控的关系及临床意义

目的 在前期蛋白质组学研究中,明确了一系列候选血浆差异蛋白指标,包括RelB、PSMD10 等含量上调可能是宫颈癌的候选血浆蛋白质指标。本研究对上述指标进行定量验证,探讨宫颈癌发生及进展与血浆蛋白质表达调控的关系及临床意义。方法 收集维吾尔族女性宫颈病变患者外周血标本共70例,其中宫颈炎（cervicitis,CV）20例,宫颈内上皮瘤变（cervical intraepithelial neoplasisa,CIN）Ⅱ~Ⅲ 20例及宫颈鳞癌（cervical squamous cell carcinoma,CSCC）30例,采用酶联免疫法对血浆RelB、PSMD10 表达水平进行定量鉴定。结果 宫颈病变进展伴有血浆RelB、PSMD10 蛋白质含量梯度性上调,其差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。通过不同血浆蛋白质含量变化的相关性分析,发现血浆PSMD10与RelB呈低度正相关（r<0.4,P<0.01）。对不同蛋白质指标的检测对宫颈癌及癌前病变的预测能力分析,发现血浆RelB蛋白质检测的敏感度、特异性和准确度较高（依次为90.0%、50.0%和75.7%）,对宫颈癌诊断可能有较高的预测价值。结论 宫颈癌发生与血浆蛋白质表达调控存在密切关系,血浆RelB、PSMD10 含量上调可能是宫颈癌发生的早期预警的血浆检测指标,对其检测对宫颈癌诊断具有较高的预测价值。     

Maps the Blind Can See

Abstract

The Thrifty Geographer Like previous reviews in this series, the eighth Thrifty Geographer examines MS/PC-DOS software that costs less than $51.00. New programs reviewed below deal with one of the staples of geography, maps. We also give an update on an atlas program that was first reviewed in 1992. AUTOMAP EUROPE, Automap Inc., Building C-113, 9831 South 51st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85044. $49.50.

AUTOMAP EUROPE, Automap Inc., Building C-l13,9831 South 51st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85044. $49.50.

Water Resources Management: In Search of an Environmental Ethic by David Lewis Feldman Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. 247 pp.

The Hispano Homeland by Richard L. Nostrand Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1992. xiv and 281 pp., maps, illustrations, tables, appendixes, index, and bibliography. ISBN 0-8061-2414-8. $29.95.

Volcanoes by Rodman Snead Lincoln, Nebraska: National Council for Geographic Education/Great Plains National. 1993. 60 slides, annotations, bibliography. $70.00.     

ADJUSTMENTS TO NATURAL HAZARDS: FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION OF CROP-HAIL INSURANCE∗

As crop losses from hail continue to rise, farmers increasingly rely on crop-hail insurance to mitigate the effects of hail damage. This paper examines a series of socio-economic and psycho-dynamic factors that affect the adoption decision in a relatively homogeneous agricultural region in central Illinois. The very high rates of insurance adoption found in the area indicate that adoption is based on the perceived existence of a hazard, satisfaction with insurance and its availability at acceptable costs, and the perceived lack of alternative adjustments.