Investigating the effectiveness of an efficient label placement method using eye movement data

This paper focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dynamic and interactive maps in relation to the user. A label placement method with an improved algorithmic efficiency is presented. Since this algorithm has an influence on the actual placement of the name labels on the map, it is tested if this efficient algorithms also creates more effective maps: how well is the information processed by the user. We tested 30 participants while they were working on a dynamic and interactive map display. Their task was to locate geographical names on each of the presented maps. Their eye movements were registered together with the time at which a given label was found. The gathered data reveal no difference in the user's response times, neither in the number and the duration of the fixations between both map designs. The results of this study show that the efficiency of label placement algorithms can be improved without disturbing the user's cognitive map. Consequently, we created a more efficient map without affecting its effectiveness towards the user

The Cartographic Design of Highway Symbolization on State Road Maps: A Discussion & Critique

This study concerns the inherent problems of cartographic design in regard to road symbols on official state road maps. The generalization and selection of proper road symbols is considered the most importantelement of cartographic design. Relevant to cartographic design are knowledge of color science and the problems involved with the lack of scientific literature on the psychological responses from map symbols. The methodology followed along normal lines of a survey of cartographic literature, data gathering from opinion polls on road map usage, and correspondence with state highway departments and commercial mapping companies concerning map design of state road maps. Elementary statistics were used in the discussion of all fifty of the state road maps. On the basis of the review of the literature and the discussion of present road map design, five sets of road symbols were suggested for use as alternate designs. Although the amount of substantial cartographic design literature is limited, it is sufficient for learning how to properly design in cartography. But, because a few fundamental principles of color science were ignored, 76% of the state road maps in respect to their road symbols were improperly designed. Almost every state road map had some form of map symbol contradictions. A common error was the use of too many different symbols to represent one particular type of road. The use of tourist promotion and increased use of insets with road strips indicated that official state highway maps are made more for the tourist than anyone else. Correspondence with the state highway departments seemed to support this contention. The ideas for good cartographic color and symbol design in road maps are undoubtedly of value to all other map types in thematic cartography

Displays, instruments, and the multi-dimensional world of cartography

Cartographers are creators and purveyors of maps. Maps are representations of space, geographical images of the environment. Maps organize spatial information for convenience, particularly for use in performing tasks which involve the environment. There are many different kinds of maps, and there are as many different uses of maps as there are spatial problems to be solved. Maps and the display instrument dichotomy are examined. Also examined are the categories of map use along with the characteristics of maps

Through different lenses: A comparative study of cultural influence on map reading

This study examines how Swiss and Tamil participants living in Switzerland read maps based on their cultural backgrounds. The research uses a mixed design model, integrating an eye-tracking study with a preliminary test, questionnaire, and a paper folding test. Two research questions examine the influence of cultural background on perceptions and information processing, especially in map reading. The aim of the second research question is to demonstrate that Swiss individuals born in Switzerland, reflect Western cultural influences and, thus, have an analytical way of thinking. In contrast, Tamil individuals born in Switzerland, embodying East Asian cultural traits, are expected to exhibit a holistic way of thinking in processing spatial information. Through eye-tracking study, gaze patterns and decision-making processes during map exploration are revealed, illuminating the interaction between task-specific requirements and individual differences. The preliminary test challenges the stereotypical assumptions about cultural dichotomies by testing analytical and holistic thinking and general cognitive abilities through the psychological experiments of the Navon test, Stroop test, and quiz. By examining spatial ability, the paper folding test highlights the aspects of spatial manipulation skills that are common to all of the studied groups. The findings of all study parts highlight how complex cognitive responses are, going beyond simple cultural classifications. The findings show that cultural background influences cognitive processes in map reading, but consistent significance was not found. Apart from that, the significantly longer duration of fixations of Swiss individuals suggests analytical thinking, whereas due to lacking significance a consistent report of holistic thinking for Tamil individuals was failed. Other eye-tracking metrics claim a complex understanding of the interconnection of analytic-holistic thinking with Swiss and Tamil individuals, respectively, due to the lack of statistical significance. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, and interventions designed to improve spatial cognition in multicultural settings. This study contributes to the understanding of spatial cognition in a variety of cultural contexts by providing a fundamental investigation into the complex interaction of cultural influences on map reading

New methodological approaches of investigating the identity of Historic Settlement

Para estabelecer a “identidade” de um sítio histórico, a utilização de uma metodologia baseada na aplicação de ferramentas de mapeamento para análise de indicadores tangíveis e intangíveis pode ser de grande interesse e significância, uma vez que esta metodologia ainda não tem sido amplamente utilizada em pesquisas patrimoniais. apesar de ser uma ferramenta poderosa. Nesse tipo de mapeamento, a paisagem, a arquitetura e as camadas de mudança que foram depositadas no território sobre elas, ao longo dos tempos. são consideradas indicadores tangíveis, enquanto a toponímia, a história, a memória e os antigos dizeres locais são considerados indicadores intangíveis. Os indicadores, sua existência, geolocalizações, processos, significado e distribuição espacial, transformações etc. devem ser mapeados em diferentes camadas e posteriormente alguns conjuntos e subconjuntos devem ser justapostos para obter combinações e resultados. Portanto, informações produzidas a partir destes indicadores tangíveis e intangíveis de forma científica e matemática, apoiadas na história, artefactos e vestígios, princípios de urbanismo, inscrições e manuscritos, podem revelar muitos aspetos desconhecidos dos sítios históricos. Os métodos precisam ser de natureza mais científica e objetiva para excluir o viés de uma perceção distorcida. Também é uma boa técnica testar o método em mais de um local que tenha antecedentes diferentes, mas configuração semelhante, a fim de provar a validade e eficácia universal do método. Assim, Khalifatabad (Bangladesh) e Évora (Portugal) são os dois locais de um estudo de caso que visa testar a metodologia acima referida, uma vez que ambos foram declarados Património Mundial da UNESCO e possuem valor histórico semelhante; New methodological approaches of investigating the identity of Historic Settlement Abstract: In order to establish the identity of an ancient settlement, the use of a methodology based on the application of mapping tools for analysis of tangible and intangible indicators might be of great interest and significance, as this methodology has not yet been extensively used in heritage research despite of its being a powerful tool. In this kind of mapping, landscape, architecture and the layers of change that have been deposited on them throughout ages are considered as tangible indicators, while toponymy, story, memory and ancient local sayings are considered as intangible indicators. The indicators, their existence, geo locations, processes, spatial significance and distribution, transformations etc. are to be mapped in different layers and later some set and subsets are to be juxtaposed to obtain certain combinations and results. Therefore information produced from both tangible and intangible indicators in a scientific and mathematical manner, supported by history, artefacts and vestiges, principles of urbanism, inscriptions and manuscripts, can reveal many unknown aspects of historic sites. The methods need to be more scientific and objective in nature to exclude biasness of perception. It is also a good technique to test the method on more than one site that has different background but similar configuration in order to prove the validity and efficacy of the method. Therefore Khalifatabad (Bangladesh) and Évora (Portugal) are the two sites of a case study that aims to test the above mentioned methodology, as they both were declared UNESCO World Heritage and carry similar historic value

How topographic maps affect: experiencing Washington, DC through the maps of the “other”

Does the type of map we use affect how we engage with a place in situ? This paper describes a creative activity that aimed to explore how the use of different topographic maps affects our engagement with an urban environment. Three groups of participants explored the neighbourhood surrounding the Gelman Library at George Washington University, each using an extract from a different map (all with street-level detail of the area) as a guide: (1) a contemporary selection from OpenStreetMap; (2) a United States Geological Survey (USGS) map from 1965; and (3) a Soviet military plan from 1975. The 32 participants recorded their experiences by taking photographs and uploading them to a shared online bulletin board (Padlet). After gaining feedback via group discussion, the resulting 108 images were classified, interpreted and mapped. The findings indicate that the groups’ engagement with their environment varied with the specific map used, and was possibly influenced by their interpretation of its function, although differences in individual perceptions and responses were more pronounced than between-map differences. The activity provides a starting point for understanding the role topographic maps play in the relationship between emotions and environment and offers some avenues for further research

The design of tourist maps. Creating spaces for travellers

The present thesis deals with tourist maps. Although tourist maps are used by many people, there is a lack of research in this topic. There are no greater studies about existing tourist maps and there is also not much literature which claims how to design such maps. Present studies about tourist maps are always done from cartography’s point of view. Studies dealing with tourist maps from tourism’s point of view are missing. Therefore, one main aim of this thesis is to evaluate the quality of existing tourist maps. For this evaluation, technical literature about cartography and also tourism will be analysed. With the help of technical literature, design norms for tourist maps can be determined. After that, the design norms from literature are compared to existing tourist maps. Thus, it can be seen which cartographic rules are used in practice and which not. It will also be make clear which rules are maybe obsolete and which ones need to be followed in any case to make maps understandable. The thesis also shows how tourist maps can support spatial planning or how they can be of use in cities and areas which are affected in a negative way by mass tourism. The final aim of this thesis is to give design recommendations for tourist maps. These recommendations can be used for further production of tourist maps

Exploring Environmental and Geographical Factors Influencing the Spread of Infectious Diseases with Interactive Maps

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.Environmental problems due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanisation, and large scale intensive farming are some of the major factors behind the rapid spread of many infectious diseases. This in turn poses significant challenges not only in as regards providing adequate healthcare, but also in supporting healthcare workers, medical researchers, policy makers, and others involved in managing infectious diseases. These challenges include surveillance, tracking of infections, communication of public health knowledge and promotion of behavioural change. Behind these challenges lies a complex set of factors which include not only biomedical and population health determinants but also environmental, climatic, geographic, and socioeconomic variables. While there is broad agreement that these factors are best understood when considered in conjunction, aggregating and presenting diverse information sources requires effective information systems, software tools, and data visualisation. In this article, weargue that interactive maps, which couple geographical information systems and advanced information visualisation techniques, provide a suitable unifying framework for coordinating these tasks. Therefore, we examine how interactive maps can support spatial epidemiological visualisation and modelling involving distributed and dynamic data sources and incorporating temporal aspects of disease spread. Combining spatial and temporal aspects can be crucial in such applications. We discuss these issues in the context of support for disease surveillance in remote regions, utilising tools that facilitate distributed data collection and enable multidisciplinary collaboration, while also providing support for simulation and data analysis. We show that interactive maps deployed on a combination of mobile devices and large screens can provide effective means for collection, sharing, and analysis of health data.Peer reviewe