Brian Davidson

Bio: Brian Davidson is an academic researcher from Esri. The author has contributed to research in topics: Situated & Globalization. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 13 citations.

Global Landscapes: Teaching Globalization through Responsive Mobile Map Design

Abstract: This article reports on the design and evaluation of Global Madison, a mobile map designed to support teaching and learning about globalization using Madison, Wisconsin, as a situated classroom. Ou...

Cartographic Design as Visual Storytelling: Synthesis and Review of Map-Based Narratives, Genres, and Tropes

Abstract: In this article, I review considerations and techniques for approaching cartographic design as visual storytelling. Stories, like maps, are a method for documenting and explaining, for meaningfully...

Teaching Digital Divides

Abstract: Digital divides—uneven patterns of access—are a major feature of cyberspace. This article opens by noting that most students are digital natives who grew up with the Internet. Second, it summarizes...

Web Map Effectiveness in the Responsive Context of the Graphical User Interface

Abstract: The main objective of this article was to determine the effectiveness of a web map GUI (Graphical User Interface) layout designed specifically for desktop monitors and smartphones. A suitable design of buttons for the graphical user interface is vital for the effectiveness of web maps. This article presents a study of three rules that prevail in GUI map design in terms of responsiveness, which was analyzed on two devices: a smartphone and a PC screen. The GUI effectiveness study, based on six variants of web maps, was conducted by means of eye-tracking on a group of 120 participants. An additional goal was to find an index (based on eye movements, mouse tracking, and time) that would be assessing the effectiveness of the GUI layout on both devices. The main motivation for conducting the research described in the article was the desire to find a synthetic measure based on more than one factor (time) in the context of determining the effectiveness of the GUI.

Pedestrian navigation and GPS deteriorations: user behavior and adaptation strategies

Abstract: Mobile pedestrian navigation apps depend largely on position information, usually provided by a Global Position System (GPS). However, GPS information quality can vary due to several factors. In this paper, we thus investigate how this affects users via a field study (N=21) that exposed pedestrians to no GPS coverage, low accuracy and delayed GPS information during navigation. We found that their navigation performance, their trust in the apps and their experience were all negatively affected. We also identified user strategies to deal with GPS-deteriorated situations and user needs. Based on our findings, we derive several design implications for pedestrian navigation app to better deal with GPS-deteriorated situations. In particular, we propose four adaptation strategies that an app can use to support users in GPS-deteriorated situations. Our findings can benefit designers and developers of pedestrian navigation apps.

Exploring the Impact of Contextual Information on Student Performance and Interest in Open Humanitarian Mapping

Abstract: The opportunity to engage university students in authentic, open humanitarian mapping raises important questions about how to guide the quality and productivity of volunteer spatial contributions w...