A.G. Turk

Landscape Categories in Yindjibarndi: Ontology, Environment, and Language

This paper describes categories for landscape elements in the language of the Yindjibarndi people, a community of Indigenous Australians. Yindjibarndi terms for topographic features were obtained from dictionaries, and augmented and refined through discussions with local language experts in the Yindjibarndi community. In this paper, the Yindjibarndi terms for convex landforms and for water bodies are compared to English-language terms used to describe the Australian landscape, both in general terms and in the AUSLIG Gazetteer. The investigation found fundamental differences between the two conceptual systems at the basic level, supporting the notion that people from different places and cultures may use different categories for geographic features.

Progress on Yindjibarndi ethnophysiography

This paper reviews progress on the Ethnophysiography study of the Yindjibarndi language from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Concentrating on terms for water-related features, it concludes that there are significant differences to the way such features are conceptualized and spoken of in English. Brief comments regarding a similar project with the Dine (Navajo) people of Southwestern USA are provided, together with conclusions regarding Ethnophysiography.

Towards an understanding of human-computer interaction aspects of geographic information systems

As geographic information systems (GIS) technology matures and develops sophisticated decision support applications, there is an increasing need to optimise human-computer interaction (HCI) aspects. Although further advances in graphic interface design and operator training are required, the principal challenge is now in the ergonomics of shared cognitive responsibility between operator and computer system. A sound and comprehensive theoretical framework is required to understand and develop this relationship. Mental modelling provides an appropriate psychological paradigm which may be applied through arranging appropriate levels of cognitive control, (modes of engagement), for GIS operations. The validation of such a theoretical model demands the use of appropriate research methodologies within a multi-disciplinary HCI in GIS research program. A substantial reference list is provided to assist research in this field.

Appropriate computer-mediated communication: an Australian indigenous information system case study

This article discusses ways to operationalise the concept of culturally appropriate computer-mediated communication, utilising information systems (IS) development methodologies and adopting a postmodern and postcolonial perspective. By way of illustration, it describes progress on the participative development of the Ieramugadu Cultural Information System. This project is designed to develop and evaluate innovative procedures for elicitation, analysis, storage and communication of indigenous cultural heritage information. It is investigating culturally appropriate IS design techniques, multimedia approaches and ways to ensure protection of secret/sacred information. Ethical issues are foregrounded.

David Mark’s contribution to ethnophysiography research

This article describes Professor David Mark’s considerable contributions over the last 11 years to research in Ethnophysiography, the study of terms used for landscape features in different languages, and toponyms (place-names). His preceding research is briefly discussed to provide a summary of the foundation from which ethnophysiography emerged. This article describes the key stages of development of this new field, including David Mark’s collaborations with Andrew Turk, David Stea, and others. It briefly summarizes the key theories used and the two ethnophysiography case studies undertaken thus far. This article provides an overview of how this collaborative transdisciplinary area of research has developed. It highlights the importance of David Mark’s scholarship in this process and indicates some of the impacts of the research.

Community, participation and cultural heritage: The Ieramugadu Cultural Heritage Information System (ICIS)

IREAMUGADU CULTURAL Information System ([CIS) is a multimedia system we are helping to build for the collection, storage and presentation of cultural heritage information with the Ngaluma, Injibandi and Banjima people of Ieramugadu (Roeboume). Roebourne is a small town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It has a population of approximately 1600 peo- ple, ninety five per cent of whom are indigenous...

An Overview of HCI for GIS

The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the scope and structure of cognitive aspects of human-computer interaction (HCI) for geographic information systems (GIS). It discusses various facets of GIS development and use and approaches to the optimization of related cognitive aspects of HCI. The role of task analysis and interaction modeling are reviewed. Integrated systems development methodologies, addressing human factors as well as technical requirements, are discussed.

Design Considerations for Spatial Information Systems and Maps to Support Native Title Negotiation and Arbitration

This paper reports progress on a multidisciplinary research project at Murdoch University, involving the principal disciplines of information systems, cartography and law. The research project is examining how information systems may be best utilised to support the negotiation and arbitration of native title (land) claims by indigenous Australians. It also addresses important methodological issues relating to the analysis, design and evaluation of information systems which accommodate users with different cultural backgrounds. It discusses the requirements of relevant spatial information systems and some of the design considerations for suitable maps and other visualisations. An initial analysis of the GIS needs of the National Native Title Tribunal is provided.

Visualization in environmental management: beyond the buzz word

Environmental management is a scientifically and procedurally complex task requiring the involvement of a range of disciplines. Increasingly this process is being rendered more tractable through the application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. When such systems are effectively integrated with biophysical modelling software a spatial decision support system can be achieved. The outputs of such a system are often in the form of visualizations, i.e. a sequence of graphics (perhaps of unit length and possibly including text), designed to meet specific communication objectives. This paper describes general requirements for the design of visualizations.

Interactive lounge: an interdisciplinary approach to the design of a gestural interaction device

Among the many new opportunities that digital technologies are enabling are an increased capacity for viewers to interact not only with the program content, but with an increasingly wide array of other digital applications. Within this context this project has developed a new interaction device (incorporating gestural platform technology) and user interfaces to facilitate interactive access to digital media in a lounge room setting. This paper provides an overview of an interdisciplinary design process applied by Australasian CRC for Interaction Design (ACID) researchers—in order to develop the device and present in detail its unique features.