Options and recommandations related to further development of an Espon Cartographic Language

In this 5th part of Espon Cartographic Language Final Report, our aim is to identify good practices, as well in the development of interactive cartographic environments such as atlases, as in innovative cartographic constructions. Our proposals target several levels:- The level of applications themselves: which functionalities have to be use, for what applications and what objectives?-The level of cartographic representations, meaning the possibilities to introduce elements of animation and interactivity in maps, depending on data and objectives: what innovations for which representation?To achieve such aims, we use two types of resources:- a collection of interactive atlases, considered as the most representative of the diversity in european statistical atlases, which we have analyzed and compared.- the collection of maps presented in Task 4, that we propose to enrich with functions of interaction and animation.The first part of Task 5 deals with recommendations, coming from a comparative analysis of european statistical atlases. These recommendations depend on the type of environment to be made (environment of visualization, analysis or exploration), and on the desired interactivity level.The second part deals with recommendations to create interactive and animated maps. They are illustrated by concrete proposals, in the form of summary datasheet.The final part deals with a comparison of computer tools that can be used to make innovative cartographic applications

A synoptic description of coal basins via image processing

An existing image processing system is adapted to describe the geologic attributes of a regional coal basin. This scheme handles a map as if it were a matrix, in contrast to more conventional approaches which represent map information in terms of linked polygons. The utility of the image processing approach is demonstrated by a multiattribute analysis of the Herrin No. 6 coal seam in Illinois. Findings include the location of a resource and estimation of tonnage corresponding to constraints on seam thickness, overburden, and Btu value, which are illustrative of the need for new mining technology

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

Survey on geographic visual display techniques in epidemiology: Taxonomy and characterization

Many works have been done on the topic of Geographic Visual Display with different objectives and approaches. There are studies to compare the traditional cartography techniques (the traditional term of Geographic Visual Display (GVD) without Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)) to Modern GIS which are also known as Geo-visualization, some literature differentiates and highlight the commonalities of features and architectures of different Geographic Visual Display tools (from layers and clusters to dot and color and more). Furthermore, with the existence of more advanced tools which support data exploration, few tasks are done to evaluate how those tools are used to handle complex and multivariate spatial-temporal data. Several test on usability and interactivity of tools toward user's needs or preferences, some even develop frameworks that address user's concern in a wide array of tasks, and others prove how these tools are able to stimulate the visual thought process and help in decision making or event prediction amongst decision-makers. This paper surveyed and categorized these research articles into 2 categories: Traditional Cartography (TC) and Geo-visualization (G). This paper will classify each category by their techniques and tasks that contribute to the significance of data representation in Geographic Visual Display and develop perspectives of each area and evaluating trends of Geographic Visual Display Techniques. Suggestions and ideas on what mechanisms can be used to improve and diversify Geographic Visual Display Techniques are provided at the end of this survey

Distinguishing extensive and intensive properties for meaningful geocomputation and mapping

A most fundamental and far-reaching trait of geographic information is the distinction between extensive and intensive properties. In common understanding, originating in Physics and Chemistry, extensive properties increase with the size of their supporting objects, while intensive properties are independent of this size. It has long been recognized that the decision whether analytical and cartographic measures can be meaningfully applied depends on whether an attribute is considered intensive or extensive. For example, the choice of a map type as well as the application of basic geocomputational operations, such as spatial intersections, aggregations or algebraic operations such as sums and weighted averages, strongly depend on this semantic distinction. So far, however, the distinction can only be drawn in the head of an analyst. We still lack practical ways of automation for composing GIS workflows and to scale up mapping and geocomputation over many data sources, e.g. in statistical portals. In this article, we test a machine-learning model that is capable of labeling extensive/ intensive region attributes with high accuracy based on simple characteristics extractable from geodata files. Furthermore, we propose an ontology pattern that captures central applicability constraints for automating data conversion and mapping using Semantic Web technology

Cartography, Discourse, and Disease: How Maps Shape Scientific Thought about Disease

This research examines public health mapping over two time periods, 1944-1954 and 2000-2004 and explores how mapping disease shaped scientific knowledge about disease. During World War II, the Atlas of Diseases was produced by cartographers and geographers well versed in the subjectivity of maps. Today professionals in a variety of disciplines use digital mapping software to produce maps of disease. This research takes a look at how public health maps and mapping of disease have changed over time and discusses the political implications of public health mapping as an aspect of geographic governance

Current practices in spatial analysis of cancer data: mapping health statistics to inform policymakers and the public

BACKGROUND: To communicate population-based cancer statistics, cancer researchers have a long tradition of presenting data in a spatial representation, or map. Historically, health data were presented in printed atlases in which the map producer selected the content and format. The availability of geographic information systems (GIS) with comprehensive mapping and spatial analysis capability for desktop and Internet mapping has greatly expanded the number of producers and consumers of health maps, including policymakers and the public. Because health maps, particularly ones that show elevated cancer rates, historically have raised public concerns, it is essential that these maps be designed to be accurate, clear, and interpretable for the broad range of users who may view them. This article focuses on designing maps to communicate effectively. It is based on years of research into the use of health maps for communicating among public health researchers. RESULTS: The basics for designing maps that communicate effectively are similar to the basics for any mode of communication. Tasks include deciding on the purpose, knowing the audience and its characteristics, choosing a media suitable for both the purpose and the audience, and finally testing the map design to ensure that it suits the purpose with the intended audience, and communicates accurately and effectively. Special considerations for health maps include ensuring confidentiality and reflecting the uncertainty of small area statistics. Statistical maps need to be based on sound practices and principles developed by the statistical and cartographic communities. CONCLUSION: The biggest challenge is to ensure that maps of health statistics inform without misinforming. Advances in the sciences of cartography, statistics, and visualization of spatial data are constantly expanding the toolkit available to mapmakers to meet this challenge. Asking potential users to answer questions or to talk about what they see is still the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific map design

Cancer

Maps are well recognized as an effective means of presenting and communicating health data, such as cancer incidence and mortality rates. These data can be linked to geographic features like counties or census tracts and their associated attributes for mapping and analysis. Such visualization and analysis provide insights regarding the geographic distribution of cancer and can be important for advancing effective cancer prevention and control programs. Applying a spatial approach allows users to identify location-based patterns and trends related to risk factors, health outcomes, and population health. Geographic information science (GIScience) is the discipline that applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other spatial concepts and methods in research. This review explores the current state and evolution of GIScience in cancer research by addressing fundamental topics and issues regarding spatial data and analysis that need to be considered. GIScience, along with its health-specific application in the spatial epidemiology of cancer, incorporates multiple geographic perspectives pertaining to the individual, the health care infrastructure, and the environment. Challenges addressing these perspectives and the synergies among them can be explored through GIScience methods and associated technologies as integral parts of epidemiologic research, analysis efforts, and solutions. The authors suggest GIScience is a powerful tool for cancer research, bringing additional context to cancer data analysis and potentially informing decision-making and policy, ultimately aimed at reducing the burden of cancer.CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United States2019-08-01T00:00:00Z31145834PMC66259158081vault:3254