Showing papers in "Cartographic Journal in 2005"
TL;DR: Some design patterns of egocentric maps in stationary cartographic systems are reusable and adaptable to mobile usage context, with the immediate usability being the essential constraint drawing together the research challenges involved in the design process.
Abstract: In contrast to geocentric maps that remain up-to-date for a relatively long period and aim at communicating geoinformation in a balanced way to diverse users, egocentric maps are intended for short-term usage and individual users. There is an increasing awareness of egocentric map design for mobile applications — a phenomenon resulted from the rapid technical progresses and the growing demand on personalised geoservices. Some design patterns of egocentric maps in stationary cartographic systems are reusable and adaptable to mobile usage context, with the immediate usability being the essential constraint drawing together the research challenges involved in the design process.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the reasons why aesthetics belongs in the development of cartographic theory and suggest possible avenues for further research, but they do not explore the relationship between maps and aesthetics.
Abstract: Although studies concerned with the communication of information and of power-relations have been central to the development of cartographic theory, as hermeneutics they do not seem to have fully explored the relationship between maps and aesthetics. In this short paper, I will briefly discuss the reasons why aesthetics belongs in the development of cartographic theory and suggest possible avenues for further research.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a paradigm shift is made that allows ecologists to think of and analyze their data in terms of full distributions, including their modality and shape, not just summary statistics.
Abstract: Spatially distributed probability density functions (pdfs) are becoming relevant to the Earth scientists and ecologists because of stochastic models and new sensors that provide numerous realizations or data points per unit area. One source of these data is from multireturn airborne lidar, a type of laser that records multiple returns for each pulse of light sent towards the ground. Data from multi-return lidar is a vital tool for understanding the structure of forest canopies over large extents. This paper suggests visualization tools to allow scientists to rapidly explore, interpret and discover characteristic distributions within the entire spatial field. The major contribution of this work is a paradigm shift that allows ecologists to think of and analyze their data in terms of full distributions, including their modality and shape, not just summary statistics. The tools allow the scientists to depart from traditional parametric statistical analyses and to associate multimodal distribution characteristics to forest structures. Examples are given using data from southeast Alaska. I. INTRODUCTION The development of remote sensing has created the routine need for analyzing large quantities of multidimensional and multivariate data. The dimensions are spatial, spectral and sometimes temporal. Spectral data has also been considered multivariate, where each waveband represents a variable and coincident data on variables measured by some other means may also need to be concomitantaly analyzed. In this paper we address a different aspect of some remote sensing data sets, their multi-valued nature. That is, we suggest that there are many situations where there exist multiple values of a single variable for each grid cell or spatial unit. Complete information on these multiple values is contained in the probability density function (pdf) of the variable at each location. These data sets are common products from remotely sensed images data and also from geophysical simulation. They are difficult to visualize because there are at least four axes of information. Lidar (Light Detection And Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that yields multivalued datasets. When lidar sensors are used to measure vegetated surfaces such as forests, they can yield a detailed understanding of the canopy structure across an entire study area rather than at a few select plots. Distribution data from raw multi-return lidar data from forests provides information on forest structure, tree size and density [3]. Forest plots recovering from natural disturbance tend to have unimodal distributions of stem sizes and canopy heights with low standard deviations, whereas older, less disturbed forest plots tend to have multimodal distributions [6]. Previous work with lidar data has relied on statistical summaries that attempt to characterize each distribution with a small set of descriptors. The summaries reduce the dimensionality of the dataset and make visualization straightforward. This approach fails when the distributions are nonparametric or, especially, multimodal. We can expect many
27 citations
TL;DR: A combination of approaches to coping with large amounts of data is achieved by modifying the technique of parallel coordinate plot by building a tool showing the whole set and arbitrarily defined subsets in an aggregated way and superimposing this with a representation of arbitrarily selected individual data items.
Abstract: Many of the traditional data visualization techniques, which proved to be supportive for exploratory analysis of datasets of moderate sizes, fail to fulfil their function when applied to large datasets. There are two approaches to coping with large amounts of data: data selection, when only a portion of data is displayed, and data aggregation, i.e. grouping data items and considering the groups instead of the original data. None of these approaches alone suits the needs of exploratory data analysis, which requires consideration of data on all levels: overall (considering a dataset as a whole), intermediate (viewing and comparing collective characteristics of arbitrary data subsets, or classes), and elementary (accessing individual data items). Therefore, it is necessary to combine these approaches, i.e. build a tool showing the whole set and arbitrarily defined subsets (object classes) in an aggregated way and superimposing this with a representation of arbitrarily selected individual data items.
We have achieved such a combination of approaches by modifying the technique of parallel coordinate plot. These modifications are described and analysed in the paper.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a new approach for generalization of contours is described, which aims to obtain both simplified and smoothed contours lying on a minimum number of characteristic points and inside the error bands.
Abstract: In this paper a new approach for generalization of contours is described. The aim of this approach is to obtain both simplified and smoothed contours lying on a minimum number of characteristic points and inside the error bands. Characteristic points of contours are defined in relation to the skeleton lines of the terrain and determined using the deviation angles at the contour points. Error bands for contours are constructed by means of the steepest slope lines and the mean square planimetric errors at the contour points. The new approach is compared to the Li-Openshaw algorithm according to the experimental testing results.
24 citations
TL;DR: Geovisualization continues to be an emerging research issue in the research agenda of geographic information science (UCGIS, 2004), and as such it is a featured theme in various GIS conferences and journals.
Abstract: (2005) Geovisualization: Design, Enhanced Visual Tools and Applications The Cartographic Journal: Vol 42, No 1, pp 3-4
20 citations
TL;DR: For example, during the German occupation of the Channel Islands, military geologists produced specialist maps to support their development as part of the Atlantic Wall: the line of fortifications marking the western boundary of German occupied Europe as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: During the German occupation of the Channel Islands, military geologists produced specialist maps to support their development as part of the Atlantic Wall: the line of fortifications marking the western boundary of German-occupied Europe. For Jersey, maps showed features of groundwater and quarry sites for building materials, primarily at a scale of 1 : 25 000. For Guernsey, maps at this scale were prepared to depict bedrock and superficial geology, and also maps which showed sites for building materials, water supply and features of military geology. For Alderney, maps at 1 : 10 000 showed bedrock geology, water supply, building materials plus tunnelling conditions, and military geology. Only a few contemporary copies of these maps were produced, hand-drawn upon printed topographical base-maps. Some are now preserved in Germany at the Bundesarchiv-Militararchiv, others in the USA at the National Archives and Records Administration. They include the only military geology maps, the earliest large-...
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the effect of applying residents' urban image to virtual city design and found that using the elements of the urban image in a virtual city in a way-finding task enhances the performance of all participants in the wayfinding tasks, especially those with a low level of spatial knowledge.
Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate what effect applying residents’ urban image to virtual city design (a real time virtual model of an actual city) has on wayfinding performance during ‘flying-based’ navigation mode. Two experiments were conducted to compare two virtual city designs using the virtual model of Tel Aviv city. One design included highlighted urban elements from the residents’ urban image, while in the second design no highlighted elements were included. The experiments proved that using the elements of the residents’ urban image in a virtual city design enhances the performance of all participants in the wayfinding tasks, and especially those with a low level of spatial knowledge. Analysis of the trajectory patterns and the verbal reports of the participants during navigation showed that the urban image design facilitates a more intensive use of a position-based strategy, in addition to the path-integration wayfinding strategy, which was found to be dominant in the virtual model without the highlighted urban image elements. On the basis of these findings we propose principles for designing virtual cities from a perspective of wayfinding.
17 citations
TL;DR: The metaloging – cataloguing – of digital geospatial data is discussed and a brief description of The Alexandria Digital Library is followed by a review of metadata schemas.
Abstract: The metaloging – cataloguing – of digital geospatial data is discussed. The following metadata schemas are briefly reviewed: Dublin Core; the US Federal Geographic Data Committee's 'Content Description for Digital Geospatial Data'; the ISO standard 19115 (2003), 'Geographic Information Metadata'; XML; METS; and MODS. This is followed by a brief description of The Alexandria Digital Library.
17 citations
TL;DR: Paper and Virtual Cities as discussed by the authors developed new methodologies for the use of historical geographic sources in computer-assisted cartography, such as manuscript and printed maps, atlases and other related texts.
Abstract: The research project Paper and Virtual Cities, financed by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and carried out by the Universities of Maastricht and Groningen, is developing new methodologies for the use of historical geographic sources in computer-assisted cartography. Manuscript and printed maps, atlases and other related texts are some of the sources we consider. One concept that is of particular interest at the onset of this project is that of the representation of 'truth' in geographic and historical visualizations.
12 citations
TL;DR: A multi-user mobile system that enables multiple users to visualize and simulate environmental processes, and also retrieve additional information in real time, while moving through the environmental area under analysis.
Abstract: Environmental processes are a major point of concern for researchers, environmental engineers and the general public. This paper presents a multi-user mobile system to visualize environmental proce...
TL;DR: Embedded digital rights in geovisualizations can be applied to improve the usability of geodata user interfaces, to implement publisher-subscriber communication systems for geodATA, and to establish business models for geodesic trading systems.
Abstract: Geovisualization offers powerful tools, techniques, and strategies to present, explore, analyze, and manage geoinformation. Interactive geovirtual environments such as virtual 3D maps or virtual 3D city models, however, raise the question how to control geodata usage and distribution. We present a concept for embedding digital rights in geovisualizations. It is based on geo-documents, an object-oriented scheme to specify a wide range of geovisualizations. Geo-documents are assembled by building blocks categorized into presentation, structure, interaction, animation, and Digital Rights Management (DRM) classes. DRM objects allow for defining permissions and constraints for all objects contained in geo-documents. In this way, authors of geovisualizations can control how their geo-documents are used, personalized, and redistributed by users. The strengths of the presented concept include the ability to integrate heterogeneous 2D and 3D geodata within a compact design scheme and the ability to cope with privacy, security, and copyright issues. Embedded digital rights in geovisualizations can be applied to improve the usability of geodata user interfaces, to implement publisher-subscriber communication systems for geodata, and to establish business models for geodata trading systems.
TL;DR: Questions which should be considered when cataloguing maps are raised and suggestions for answers are given in discussions about the nature of cartographic materials, cartographic intellectual ownership, titles, and physical and mathematical descriptions.
Abstract: The cataloguing C.O.D.E. given is intended as an aide-memoire for any librarian or curator faced with cataloguing maps. It raises questions which should be considered when cataloguing maps, including the most basic: why catalogue?, what is cataloguing?, and what should the catalogue record include? Suggestions for answers are given in discussions about the nature of cartographic materials, cartographic intellectual ownership, titles, and physical and mathematical descriptions. The needs of the reader are considered in the degree of detail required to make a useful catalogue record.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the differences in defining algebraic-to-graphic transformation lines for both classed and unclassed classed maps and especially the role of the maximum contrast principle in constructing classed choropleth maps.
Abstract: Traditionally, choropleth maps are used to examine spatial patterns present in a data distribution rather than to examine specific data values within that distribution. The transformation of initial numeric data values into graphic values for visual display differs for classed and unclassed maps. Classed maps first group data into classification intervals and each interval is then assigned a graphic value usually using the principle of maximum contrast. Unclassed maps skip the classification step and directly assign graphic value based on the original numeric data value. The paper examines the differences in defining algebraic-to-graphic transformation lines for both classed and unclassed classed maps and especially the role of the maximum contrast principle in constructing classed choropleth maps. Results show that the maximum contrast principle increases the visual complexity of spatial patterns in a classed map over the level present in a corresponding unclassed map.
TL;DR: Review of : Mapping Scientific Frontiers: the Quest for Knowledge visualization by Chaomei Chen shows that maps can be used as a guide for knowledge discovery and exploration.
Abstract: Review of : Mapping Scientific Frontiers: the Quest for Knowledge visualization by Chaomei Chen
TL;DR: The authors compared the representation of coloured rural roads on early Ordnance survey one-inch maps with near contemporary highway records of the county of Huntingdonshire, sixteen rural district councils in six counties and an estate in Suffolk.
Abstract: In 1892 a government committee of inquiry into the Ordnance Survey suggested that the Survey should make a distinction between public and private second class roads at the one-inch scale. This study is confined to England and Wales and looks at the nineteenth-century practice of colouring roads on the large-scale plans, and compares the representation of coloured rural roads on early Ordnance Survey one-inch maps with near contemporary highway records of the county of Huntingdonshire, sixteen rural district councils in six counties and an estate in Suffolk. The results show that all but four of the coloured roads on the one-inch maps in these areas are recorded as publicly maintainable highways.
TL;DR: The authors discusses changes that have occurred over the last 15 years in how maps are sold, where they are sold and who is buying them, focusing on the situation in the United States of America but developments in Europe and the United Kingdom are also included.
Abstract: The paper discusses changes that have occurred over the last 15 years in how maps are sold, where they are sold and who is buying them. The emphasis is on the situation in the United States of America, but developments in Europe and the United Kingdom are also included.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explain what is being done to preserve historical military mapping and make it available for researchers to use for their own research, and they also give a good overview of where to find historical military maps.
Abstract: This article aims to help researchers know where to go to find historical military mapping and to explain what is being done to preserve military mapping and make it available to researchers.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the need for local expertise is undiminished and map curators need to redefine themselves as geoinformation specialists, preserving their paper map collections, but also meeting some of the challenges of GIS, and contributing to national developments in the construction of distributed geolibraries and the provision of metadata.
Abstract: This paper argues for the importance of retaining a map library presence on UK university campuses at a time when many are under threat of closure, and access to geospatial data is increasingly moving to web-based services. It is suggested that the need for local expertise is undiminished and map curators need to redefine themselves as geoinformation specialists, preserving their paper map collections, but also meeting some of the challenges of GIS, and contributing to national developments in the construction of distributed geolibraries and the provision of metadata, especially with regard to local data sets.
TL;DR: The process confronting the UK Legal Deposit Libraries of selecting a system architecture and hosting for their store of digital cartographic data for the nation is described.
Abstract: This paper describes the process confronting the UK Legal Deposit Libraries of selecting a system architecture and hosting for their store of digital cartographic data for the nation. These institutions have a mission not only to collect the published output of the national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey, but also to make it accessible to the public and ensure, via sound archival practices, that it be available in perpetuity. Considerations include how other institutions and agencies are handling similar issues, software and hardware to support the new GML file format, hosting to serve the application and data to the six libraries, and methods of archiving and preservation.
TL;DR: This article examines how ETH has set about the task of incorporating electronic data into the map collection, and then explores how access to hard copy map materials has been revolutionized by electronic means.
Abstract: The ETH-Bibliothek (the Library of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) in Zurich has employed electronic resources to vastly enhance access to its collections. This article examines how ETH has set about the task of incorporating electronic data into the map collection, and then explores how access to hard copy map materials has been revolutionized by electronic means.
TL;DR: An assessment of British responses to a pan-European questionnaire conducted during the summer of 2003 is given in this article, where the authors assess the responses of British respondents to the questionnaire.
Abstract: An assessment of British responses to a pan-European questionnaire conducted during the summer of 2003.
TL;DR: A brief overview of 100 years of British cartobibliography, within an international (English-language) cataloguing context, is offered.
Abstract: Due to human memory fails, a written record of cartographic materials held in a collection (of a mapmaker, map dealer, or of a map collector) became necessary; when materials held in several collections were to be recorded, or when several variants of one main item were to be compared, this became essential. However referred to (as a list, inventory, catalogue, annotated checklist, bibliography, or database), standardization in recording the data elements, any 'free text' description, and citation order have been discussed – and promulgated – both internationally and nationally. A brief overview of 100 years of British cartobibliography, within an international (English-language) cataloguing context, is offered.
TL;DR: An overview of the huge cartographic holdings of The National Archives (TNA) can be found in this article, where the procedures by which records are selected for permanent preservation by TNA are discussed.
Abstract: The article provides an overview of the huge cartographic holdings of The National Archives (TNA). It continues by outlining the procedures by which records are selected for permanent preservation by TNA.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the possible relevance of the Venerable Bede's concept of Britannia to cartography, his comprehension of the original data, and why that may have affected his view of Britain.
Abstract: There is hidden within early texts information, which if analysed, can be used to increase our understanding of early cartography This paper considers the possible relevance of the Venerable Bede's concept of Britannia to cartography, his comprehension of the original data, and, why that may have affected his view of Britannia The information also provides us with an opportunity to construct an alternative for the lost portion of the Tabula Peutingeriana, at least as it pertains to Britain, and to consider the residual areas
TL;DR: The NCWin can easily extend the functions of some current GIS software and the Office applications, and examples of calling NCWin within ArcGIS and MS PowerPoint for showing NetCDF map animations are given.
Abstract: NetCDF (Network Common Data Form) is a data sharing protocol and library that is commonly used in large-scale atmospheric and environmental data archiving and modeling. The NetCDF tool described here, named NCWin and coded with Borland C + + Builder, was built as a standard executable as well as a COM (component object model) for the Microsoft Windows environment. COM is a powerful technology that enhances the reuse of applications (as components). Environmental model developers from different modeling environments, such as Python, JAVA, VISUAL FORTRAN, VISUAL BASIC, VISUAL C + +, and DELPHI, can reuse NCWin in their models to read, write and visualize NetCDF data. Some Windows applications, such as ArcGIS and Microsoft PowerPoint, can also call NCWin within the application. NCWin has three major components: 1) The data conversion part is designed to convert binary raw data to and from NetCDF data. It can process six data types (unsigned char, signed char, short, int, float, double) and three spat...
TL;DR: In this paper, the storage needs of sheet maps, folded maps, oversized volumes, wall maps, globes, and relief models in library and archive settings are discussed, as well as advice on how to store them.
Abstract: The author offers advice on the storage needs of sheet maps, folded maps, oversized volumes, wall maps, globes, relief models in library and archive settings.