1. Applications in Geographic Visualization
Group 2

2. Overview Definitions Examples The Geovisualization Process
Visual thinking
Relationships in Space and time which will be subdivided into different graphic variables
We believe what we see?
Challenges
Proposed Solutions

3. Definitions…..
Visualization- to “make Visible”(MacEachren, 1995)

4. Definitions
GEOVis- It refers not only to the visualization of spatial data but also to the use of new techniques for displaying information that has been extracted following data analysis
Chang (2006) defines GEOVis, sometimes called cartographic GEOVIS as the use of maps for setting up a context for processing visual information and for formulating research questions or hypotheses
A more human centered approach- The creation and use of visual representations to facilitate thinking, understanding, and knowledge construction about geospatial data
Also the use of visual geospatial displays to explore data and through that exploration to :
Generate hypotheses,
Develop problem solutions and,
Construct knowledge

5. Definitions cont…..
Focuses on visualizing (picturing) as it relates to spatial data can be applied in all stage of problem-solving in geographical analysis, from development of initial hypothesis, through knowledge discovery, analysis, presentation and evaluation.
GeoVisualization now encompasses not only the development of theory, tools, and methods for the visualization of spatial data, but also involves understanding hoe the tools and methods are used for hypothesis formulation, pattern identification, knowledge construction and the facilitation of the decision-making process.

6. Example 1: Dr John Snow’s “Cholera Map” of 1854
Fig. 1.John Snow’s map of cholera deaths in London Deaths are marked by dots and water pumps by crosses.
It is still effective today and shows a great potential of GVis
Source:

7. Example 2. Harry Beck’s London Tube Map (1933)
Fig. 2. Harry Beck’s London Tube map became a powerful spatial template for the real layout of London in the minds of many visitors and residents.
Source:

8. Charles Minard’s Map of Napoleon’s 1812 campaign to Russia
Source:

9. The GeoVisualization Process
Fig. 2. The theory driving geovisualization development connects geovisualization tools to a research process, that begins in the private realm of the individual analyst exploring data, developing hypotheses, and carrying out analysis tasks to assess and refine the hypotheses, to the public realm of synthesizing results and supporting evidence, and presenting those results along with supporting arguments In this process the analyst shifts from an initial focus on visual thinking to a focus on visual communication

10. The Process….
Source:
See figure 4. From the real world we go to data and all the modifications to the data to eventually visualize it, either on a computer or on paper. The perception of people will interpret the data and turns the data into knowledge. In general, every map is a selective representation of reality and subjected to the interpretation of the human eyes.

11. The Process Explained
Geographical visualization can be used for 2 purposes; data exploration and information display
By interpreting graphic representations, new knowledge can be created and this can be distributed by visual communication. The one is exploratory, while visual communication is explanatory
Dodge (2011) explained that the Best GVis goes beyond merely representing to become a kind of cognitive shorthand for the actual places and process themselves (E.G. Harry Beck’s London Underground Tube Map)

12. Relationships in space and time
Geographical relationships among variables GVIS enhances the chances of seeing relationships

13. Tool development Human Vision Propensity to categorize
A standard schemata

14. Space

15. Small multiples vs Composite maps
Bertin (1977/1981) and Tufte (1983)
Small multiples vs Composite maps
Use of small multiples- Bertin (1977/1981) and Tufte (1983)

16. So, what is a small multiple chart?
Bertin (1977/1981) and Tufte (1983)
So, what is a small multiple chart?

17. MacEachren, A. M. (1995). How Maps Work: Representation, Visualization, and Design. New York: Guilford Publications, Inc.

18. Using space as the only sign vehicle
Bertin (1977/1981) and Tufte (1983)
Using space as the only sign vehicle
Vision is not well suited to judging spatial correspondence
Visual grouping
Neither size nor value are associative variables

19. Rejection of Bertin’s claims
Pairwise comparison is too difficult and imprecise
Development of the trivariate display system
Uses spatial dimensionality

20. Orientation
Multiple Data points arrayed in space Identifying spatial patterns Carr et al (1992) and Dorling (1992b) suggest using orientation in GVIS tools

21. Color Most multivariate efforts in GVIS make use of color
Roger and Groop (1981)
At least three hues can be sorted out in a complex display of positional sign vehicles

22. Time

23. Sound
Increasing number of variables Adding sound to the mix Suited to representing temporal information

24. Taking both time and space into account
Antonietti (1991) – The high tide problem
Problem:
a rope ladder was hanging from a boat so that the ladder had six rungs above the sea. The distance betweeen any two rungs was 30cm. At high tide, the sea rose 70cm. How many rungs were above the sea at high tide?

25. Antonietti’s high tide problem
Three groups:
Verbal group
Picture group
Mental visualization group

26. Antonietti’s high tide problem
MATHS if fun. Disponivel em: < Acesso em: 16 February 2016.

27. Challenges in GeoVIS. Challenges Observed by Buckley and Clarke (2000)
Experimental and multi-model maps/datasets
Large Data sets
Group work ( methods are designed for individual use)
Human-Centered Approach
There are difficulties in geographic visualization tools that are used in actually making visible and ease of interpretation of geographic data.
Interactivity (with the data), there is a serious need to develop a set of tools that allow users more interaction with both the data and displays.
cognitive issues (different people different perceptions)

28. Proposed Solutions…..
Cartographers cannot solve the geovisualization challenges alone, they need to:
Promote interdisciplinary communication and cross-disciplinary to encourage more scientists to commit to multi-disciplinary research through which the challenges can be met.
Foster communication between developers and practitioners
Basic technologies of computer graphics that could be useful in geovisualization include colour and shading, and image quality among others.

29. References….
Buckley, A. R., Gahegan, M., & Clarke, K. (2000). Geographic visualization. Emerging Themes in GIScience Research.
Bertin, J. (1981). Graphics and graphic information processing. Walter de Gruyter.
Chang, K. T. (2006). Introduction to geographic information systems (pp ). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Dodge, M., McDerby, M., & Turner, M. (Eds.). (2011). Geographic visualization: concepts, tools and applications. John Wiley & Sons.
Kraak, M. J., & Ormeling, F. (1996). Cartography: visualization of spatial data. Guilford Press.
MacEachren, A. M. (1995). How maps work: representation, visualization, and design. Guilford Press.
MacEachren, A. M. (1994). Some truth with maps: A primer on symbolization and design. Assn of Amer Geographers.
Ragia, L., & Fiume, E. (NY). Challenges in Geovisualization. The IPSI BgD Transactions on Internet Research, 35.