Trends and concerns in digital cartography

CISRG discussion paper ;

Analysing imperfect temporal information in GIS using the Triangular Model

Rough set and fuzzy set are two frequently used approaches for modelling and reasoning about imperfect time intervals. In this paper, we focus on imperfect time intervals that can be modelled by rough sets and use an innovative graphic model [i.e. the triangular model (TM)] to represent this kind of imperfect time intervals. This work shows that TM is potentially advantageous in visualizing and querying imperfect time intervals, and its analytical power can be better exploited when it is implemented in a computer application with graphical user interfaces and interactive functions. Moreover, a probabilistic framework is proposed to handle the uncertainty issues in temporal queries. We use a case study to illustrate how the unique insights gained by TM can assist a geographical information system for exploratory spatio-temporal analysis

Engineering data compendium. Human perception and performance. User's guide

The concept underlying the Engineering Data Compendium was the product of a research and development program (Integrated Perceptual Information for Designers project) aimed at facilitating the application of basic research findings in human performance to the design and military crew systems. The principal objective was to develop a workable strategy for: (1) identifying and distilling information of potential value to system design from the existing research literature, and (2) presenting this technical information in a way that would aid its accessibility, interpretability, and applicability by systems designers. The present four volumes of the Engineering Data Compendium represent the first implementation of this strategy. This is the first volume, the User's Guide, containing a description of the program and instructions for its use

Defining the Map: Utilizing Classical Categorization and Prototype Theory

Psychologists in the 1960s and 70s postulated the concept of prototypes as fundamental to an individual’s ability to organize and categorize information. Cartographers in the 1990s attempted to determine what constitutes the map prototype and what graphic elements move objects “nearer” to that prototype. It has been suggested that the rise of Google Earth, greater familiarity with satellite imagery, and web mapping services may have altered the current map prototype.This study presents findings from two experiments. The first replicates earlier cartographic studies to determine the relative importance of select graphic elements (labeling, cartographic iconography, verticality of perspective, etc.) in establishing the map prototype. The subjects for the study were undergraduate students who were shown a series of images and asked to rate “how map-like” the image was on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 indicating nothing in common with a map and 10 being totally map. Results indicated that graphic representations that were most map-like were road atlases, online street maps, and reference maps. Characteristics that were considered to increase mapness included verticality, labels, real, urban and drawn. Recorded satellite images did not influence level of mapness

Applications of Spatial Data Using Business Analytics Tools

This paper addresses the possibilities of using spatial data in business analytics tools, with emphasis on SAS software. Various kinds of map data sets containing spatial data are presented and discussed. Examples of map charts illustrating macroeconomic parameters demonstrate the application of spatial data for the creation of map charts in SAS Enterprise Guise. Extended features of map charts are being exemplified by producing charts via SAS programming procedures

Recent Computer Technologies for an Innovative Cartographic Language: Espon Cartographic Language, Interim Report 1

Review of the state of the art in recent computer technologies and related cartographic software in support of ensuring an innovative cartographic language. The service provider is asked to review the state of the art in recent computer technologies and related cartographic software development in support of ensuring an innovative cartographic language. The service provider shall, based on this review, present options for modernising the ESPON Cartographic Language. The fulfilment of this task should not be limited only to more “traditional” cartography, but explore new options for adding new cartographic concepts, types of illustrations and computer animated presentations, that could support the presentation of the geography of policy orientations and forward-looking territorial evidence to the European territorial policy arena. The review shall lead to recommendations of cartographic technologies and techniques to consider in a modernised ESPON Cartographic Language. It shall be used as input for recommendations on new cartographic elements to consider in a modernised ESPON Cartographic Language under task 4 and 5. Three dimensions for an Innovative cartographic language will be explored in three directions:- Former Semiotic language combined with new technologies- Usability of the produced representations - Focus on added dimensions like interactivity, animation, multimedia, 3D, etc

Travails in the third dimension: a critical evaluation of three-dimensional geographical visualization

Several broad questions are posed about the role of the third dimension in data visualization. First, how far have we come in developing effective 3D displays for the analysis of spatial and other data? Second, when is it appropriate to use 3D techniques in visualising data, which 3D techniques are most appropriate for particular applications, and when might 2D approaches be more appropriate? (Indeed, is 3D always better than 2D?) Third, what can we learn from other communities in which 3D graphics and visualization technologies have been developed? And finally, what are the key R&D challenges in making effective use of the third dimension for visualising data across the spatial and related sciences? Answers to these questions will be based on several lines of evidence: the extensive literature on data and information visualization; visual perception research; computer games technology; and the author’s experiments with a prototype 3D data visualization system