One of the common problems associated with large computer-based information systems is the relatively small window through which an information space can be viewed. Increasing interest in recent years has been focused on the development of distortion-oriented presentation techniques to address this problem. However, the growing number of new terminologies and techniques developed have caused considerable confusion to the graphical user interface designer, consequently making the comparison of these presentation techniques and generalization of empirical results of experiments with them very difficult, if not impossible. This article provides a taxonomy of distortion-oriented techniques which demonstrates clearly their underlying relationships. A unified theory is presented to reveal their roots and origins. Issues relating to the implementation and performance of these techniques are also discussed.

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A review and taxonomy of distortion-oriented presentation techniques

The study of place naming, or toponymy, has recently undergone a critical reformulation as scholars have moved beyond the traditional focus on etymology and taxonomy by examining the politics of place-naming practices. In this article, we provide a selective genealogy of the 'critical turn' in place-name studies and consider three complementary approaches to analyzing spatial inscription as a toponymic practice: political semiotics, governmentality studies, and normative theories of social justice and symbolic resistance. We conclude by proposing that future scholarship should explore the political economy of toponymic practices as a step toward expanding the conceptual horizon of critical place-name studies.

Geographies of toponymic inscription: new directions in critical place-name studies

This paper presents efficient methods for implementing general non-linear magnification transformations. Techniques are provided for: combining linear and non-linear magnifications, constraining the domain of magnifications, combining multiple transformations, and smoothly interpolating between magnified and normal views. In addition, piecewise linear methods are introduced which allow greater efficiency and expressiveness than their continuous counterparts.

Techniques for non-linear magnification transformations

The notion of a cartogram is reviewed. Then, based on a presentation from the 1960s, a direct and simple introduction is given to the design of a computer algorithm for the construction of contiguous value-by-area cartograms. As an example, a table of latitude/longitude to rectangular plane coordinates is included for a cartogram of the United States, along with Tissot's measures for this map projection. This is followed by a short review of the subsequent history of the subject and includes citation of algorithms proposed by others. In contrast to the usual geographic map, the most common use of cartograms is solely for the display and emphasis of a geographic distribution. A second use is in analysis, as a nomograph or problem-solving device similar in use to Mercator's projection, or in the transform-solve-invert paradigm. Recent innovations by computer scientists modify the objective and suggest variation similar to Airy's (1861) “balance of errors” idea for map projections.

Thirty Five Years of Computer Cartograms

We introduce nonlinear magnification fields as an abstract representation of nonlinear magnification, providing methods for converting transformation routines to magnification fields and vice-versa. This new representation provides ease of manipulation and power of expression. By removing the restrictions of explicit foci and allowing precise specification of magnification values, we can achieve magnification effects which were not previously possible. Of particular interest are techniques we introduce for expressing complex and subtle magnification effects through magnification brushing, and allowing intrinsic properties of the data being visualized to create data-driven magnifications.

Nonlinear magnification fields

The evolution of a continuous projection for portraying the area of territorial units in proportion to a thematic variable has, in the past, eluded the cartographer. The present paper—resulting from postgraduate research in cartography by the second author under the supervision of the first—describes the development of such a projection and some of the possible applications.

A Polyfocal Projection for Statistical Surfaces

(2004). Toponymy and Geopolitics: The Political Use — and Misuse — of Geographical Names. The Cartographic Journal: Vol. 41, International Geographical Congress (IGC) Special Issue, Glasgow 2004, pp. 85-87.

Toponymy and Geopolitics: The Political Use — and Misuse — of Geographical Names

Highly generalized cartograms which are not rigidly bound to the geometry of the globe can often supply effective graphic solutions to problematical thematic situations, especially where non-metric object spaces are involved While it is possible to reduce noise and to distribute information evenly over the map area, topological properties should be retained; some of these are described in this paper In addition to uncontrolled cartograms, special distorting projections can now be employed in producing quantitative area cartograms Il est souvent tres difficile de representer graphiquement des themes complexes, surtout lorsqu'on a affaire a des donnees qui ne se mesurent pas concretement Les cartogrammes de generalisation s'averent souvent une solution efficace car ils n'ont pas a tenir compte des formes vraies du globe Si on peut reduire les distorsions et distribuer l'information uniformement sur la surface de la carte, la topologie doit toutefois etre respectee L'article traite de certains de ces a

Cartograms and topology

After describing the changes which program packages, such as SYMAP, can make to the production of thematic maps the author briefly considers the aesthetics of computer graphics The simplicity and versatility of KOMPLOT are then discussed with the aim of bringing computer aided cartography to a wider field of users

KOMPLOT "Do-it-yourself" Computer Cartography

In order to display, predict and combat atmospheric pollution, suitable graphics should be employed. The author proposes some new methods of representation such as mapping air pollution on an air photograph which is printed through screens proportional to air purity, or using the Polyfocal Projection for mapping airport noise. Polar diagrams are used to depict atmospheric stability states.

Naftali Kadmon

Papers

A Polyfocal Projection for Statistical Surfaces

Toponymy and Geopolitics: The Political Use — and Misuse — of Geographical Names

Cartograms and topology

KOMPLOT "Do-it-yourself" Computer Cartography

Photographic, Polyfocal and Polar-Diagrammatic Mapping of Atmospheric Pollution