Developing a Multi-Touch Map Application for a Large Screen in a Nature Centre

The paper describes the development of a research prototype of a multi-touch map application for multi-use on a large multi-touch screen intended for a nature centre. The presented system and the development steps provide insight into what can be expected when similar systems are designed. A number of new considerations regarding multi-touch interaction, map browsing, and user needs for multi-use have been taken into account during the challenging ongoing development. These considerations include making a simple user interface used with intuitive, continuous and simultaneous gestures for map browsing, and taking different kinds of users and their needs to interact with each other into account. Since multi-user map applications in multi-touch environments are still rare, the given considerations may be helpful for the future development of similar map applications intended for public spaces

Geospatial images in the acquisition of spatial knowledge for wayfinding

Geospatial images such as maps and aerial photographs are important sources of spatial knowledge that people use for wayfinding. The rapid development of geodata acquisition and digital graphics has recently led to rather complete geographic coverage of both traditional and novel types of geospatial images. Divergent types of geospatial images vary in their support of human acquisition of spatial knowledge. However evaluative studies about the acquisition of spatial knowledge from the diversity of geospatial images have been rare. In this article we review a variety of literature about the acquisition of spatial knowledge while paying particular attention to the role of geospatial images. Based on the literature we present a framework of image parameters that characterize the acquisition of spatial knowledge from geospatial images: vantage point number of visible vertical features and visual realism. With the help of the framework we evaluate commonly used geospatial images. In concordance with the previous experiments our evaluation shows that the different types of geospatial images have large differences in the types of spatial knowledge they support and to what extent. However further experimentation is needed in order to better understand the human cognitive needs for geospatial images and to develop more useful geospatial images for wayfinding

Designing a Multichannel Map Service Concept

This paper introduces a user-centered design process for developing a multichannel map service. The aim of the service is to provide hikers with interactive maps through several channels. In a multichannel map service, the same spatial information is available through various channels, such as printed maps, Web maps, mobile maps, and other interactive media. When properly networked, the channels share a uniform identity so that the user experiences the different channels as a part of a single map service. The traditional methods of user-centered design, such as design probes, personas, and scenarios, proved useful even in the emerging field of developing multichannel map services. The findings emphasize the need to involve users and multidisciplinary teams in the conceptual phases of designing complex services aimed at serving various kinds of users.peerReviewe

Map generalization and schema transformation of geospatial data combined in a Web Service context

The integration of multiple geodata sets is a major challenge for developing Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs). Currently, this integration is achieved using schema transformation processes. However, as SDIs mature and the need for more complex transformation processes increases, generalization provides appropriate tools for supporting complex transformations for the integration of different data at different scales. Additionally, if processes for generalization and schema transformation are both available as Web Services, it becomes feasible to combine these two types of processes in Web Service chains. To establish such chains successfully, interoperability is a crucial issue. This paper presents a common service classification addressing the issue of interoperability based on former classifications for generalization and schema transformation processes. The applicability of establishing such processing chains and the applicability of the classification are demonstrated by two process scenarios involving generalization and schema transformation. The feasibility of both process scenarios is studied by implementing them in a Web Service architecture. The presented architecture uses the OGC Web Processing Service (WPS) interface specification

Generalisation of geographic information: cartographic modelling and applications

Theoretical and Applied Solutions in Multi Scale MappingUsers have come to expect instant access to up-to-date geographical information, with global coverage--presented at widely varying levels of detail, as digital and paper products; customisable data that can readily combined with other geographic information. These requirements present an immense challenge to those supporting the delivery of such services (National Mapping Agencies (NMA), Government Departments, and private business. Generalisation of Geographic Information: Cartographic Modelling and Applications provides detailed revie

Spatio-Temporal Discussion Board

In this paper, we address the particular challenges for collaborative, multi-disciplinary analysis posed by today’s data rich environments, by designing the Spatio-Temporal Discussion Board, a method for collaborative long-term analysis in Geo-Visual Analytics environments. Our hypothesis is that having a clear defined context and boundary for discussions will help in focusing analysts’ attention, and elicit sensible information. For this aim, the method enables users to define explicit context and boundaries for map-based discussions, which is particularly useful for data spaces that have a large spatial and temporal extent. Within these boundaries, analysts can build knowledge by exchanging pieces of information in the form of written messages, playing roles such as background information, question, hypothesis, evidence and conclusions. Additionally, this messages can be enriched with annotations over the visual products, and attached files. As proof of concept, a prototype was developed and the results show that currently available web-technologies are suitable to implement the proposed method

Effects of Positioning Aids on Understanding the Relationship Between a Mobile Map and the Environment

Positioning technologies such as GPS enable mobile map applications to display a symbol representing an estimation of a user’s location on a mobile map, therefore acting as a positioning aid. Previous research on the cognitive processes involved in map reading suggests that map readers need at least two map–environment points (objects that are visualized on the map and perceived in the environment) for determining their location on a map. Hence, the positioning aid alone does not provide enough information for self-location. Using a field experiment, we assessed the effect of representing the user’s location on a map on the cognitive processes involved in self-location. The results show that positioning aids guide the search for map–environment points and narrow the area on the map that must be scanned for self-location.peerReviewe