Ferjan Ormeling

An agenda for democratising cartographic visualisation

Cartographic visualisation tools aid exploration, but they are designed for, and used exclusively by, experts. A democratised visualisation tool will include second-generation users, and these non-specialists might also want to use the available computer technology to visualise their geographical data. In this paper, we argue that democratised GIS should have a functionality similar to visualisation tools and we forward our opinion on how these can be developed in order to do so. Our emphasis is on interactivity regarding representation methods and on elaborating principles for implementing map type selection in interfaces for democratised GISs.

GIS cartography : visual decision support for spatio temporal data handling

Abstract This paper describes a new joint Dutch research initiative ‘GIS-cartography’, combining the research efforts of the cartographers of Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology and the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC) in Enschede. The research initiative focuses on the quantification and visualization of data quality, which will be placed in the context of providing automated visual decision support in specific map use strategies. As these map use strategies can only be performed if the relevant cartographic images can be created, studies of both physical access to the data, user interfaces and the provision of sufficient support to allow the user to understand and to derive sensible conclusions from the data are included in the project. Before modules automatically visualizing data quality can be implemented, data documentation, standardization and integration have to be effected, therefore these issues are also covered.

Mapping Cyberspace: Visualizing, Analysing and Exploring Virtual Worlds

Abstract With the development of computer technologies such as the Internet and reality, the notion of cyberspace has been emerging and it has been increasingly studied by researchers in various disciplines involving the computer sciences, sociology, geography, and cartography. Cybermaps, as special maps for cyberspace, have been produced and used as a tool for understanding various aspects of cyberspace virtual worlds. Virtual worlds can be distinguished in many ways from the physical world we live in. Because of these distinctions, it is a big challenge for cartographers to offer some clarification. This paper addressed various mapping issues such as visualizing, analysing and exploring cyberspace from different aspects.

From Ortelius to OpenStreetMap – Transformation of the Map into a Multifunctional Signpost 1

My first job, in 1970, when I started my university career, was to help prepare an exhibition on the 400th anniversary of Ortelius’ first atlas. If I compare the practice of Ortelius with the general cartographic practice in the 1970s and the situation now, it would appear that more things changed in cartography after this exposition than before it. One exponent of those changes is the recent OpenStreetMap project, in which volunteers collect topographical information on their own. This is an exponent of the current goal of achieving a “well-mapped society”, whereby everyone has access to the spatial information that she needs. It is such changes, and their consequences with respect to the future of cartography, that I wish to discuss with you.

Map Concepts in Multimedia Products

Iterations are not shown in the model depicted in Figure 2, but they are necessary, as all these aspects influence each other. What we want to express would influence the choice of the carrier. But, as indicated with the example of the National Atlas of Germany, the choice of carrier in turn influences the contents. It is a complex environment of construction, in which we will only be able to produce relevant multimedia products when we are able to differentiate between and take into account the various roles played by the maps involved.

Dissemination of census and other statistical data through web maps

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role that Web maps play in the dissemination of census and other statistical data, including the geographical interfaces for finding and retrieving the data, the use of maps as a means of presentation, and for online analysis and exploration of the data. These functions are illustrated with examples from the Netherlands and Philippines. A worldwide inventory of the current websites of national statistical organizations and their functionalities and characteristics, including their cartographic aspects is also presented by the chapter. The chapter also explains peculiarities of the hardware and software requirements that make it possible for Web maps to function in various ways. These requirements, along with a lack of awareness of the potential roles of Web maps in the dissemination of census and other statistical data, explains why many national statistical organizations allow the use of Web map tools. The analysis of current websites reveals that not many national statistical organizations (NSOs) are making use of Web maps. This may be partly due to the fact that NSOs are not fully aware of the possible functions of Web maps.

Maps as predictive tools : mind the gap

We use maps in order to be able to predict the situation in a distant place at a specific time. Or to predict by which combination of routes that distant place can best be reached by car. Or to predict the number of vocational schools for farmers required in a specific location. Or to predict whether our nation will be able to feed its own citizens, if need be, in five years. Of course, maps have other uses as well. We can use them for analytical purposes, for storage purposes, for educational purposes, or for propaganda purposes, but, in the end, all of these uses are still predictive. The success of each prediction depends on the quality of the maps – their fitness for use: Are they up to date? Do they have enough detail? Have their areas been adequately surveyed? Has reality been modelled or categorized adequately or relevantly? And, if the maps are the result of some overlay procedure, we would like them to be as good at predicting the situation as the maps on which they were based.

Map Use Steps and Their Data Quality Requirements

We want to better understand geo-information production lines so that we can represent data quality concerns on our maps. And, we must be concerned that not only do we get the right data to the user but that the user gets the data right. We need research to find optimal geo-information production lines, to assess data quality, to link quality to intended uses, and to visualize the results in effective ways. This may involve using fuzzy and crisp symbols, or employing possibility and probability values.

Hypereducation: Prospects for Delivering Region-Wide Cartographic Science Programmes on the Web

Education in the cartographic sciences has developed according to the demands of individual ‘marketplaces’, along corridors deemed appropriate by controlling authorities and within achievable lines dictated by educational realities. with the advent of new technological tools for remote delivery a global view now challenges the ‘local’ view of educational design. The provision of programmes that satisfy a national or regional demand may be necessary to ensure the survival of programmes in the cartographic sciences in times of minimum class sizes and questionable viability of some programmes. A national and regional perspective is therefore needed to ensure that future programmes both meet the needs of the Australian mapping industry and the requirements of a geographically fragmented regional mapping industry. This paper provides an overview of programmes offered in the Asia-Pacific region and also within Australia. It also proposes the means by which programmes could be delivered regionally and nationally...

Name Location on Old Maps

When studying old maps as sources for toponyms, one finds that in the past habits of locating names on maps prevailed that are different from the present. These different habits have a direct bearing on the result of toponymical map studies: there are many areas in the world where neighbouring states use conflicting names for the same geographical objects, and are supporting their name claims with old maps. Examples are the collections of old maps recently published by either Japan or the Republic of Korea on the East Sea/Sea of Japan. In order to gauge the relevance of old maps in place name conflicts, this paper analyses the influence of the map function on the location of names (charts e.g. tend to keep the sea area as much free of names as possible) the influence of the relation of the mapped area to the map frame (a wide map frame necessitates the inclusion of other names than a more narrowly fitting frame) the contemporary meaning of names belonging to a specific object category (the name ‘Sea of Japan’ could mean the sea to navigate through in order to reach Japan, the sea in which Japan was located or the specific geographical sea area named after Japan) the relation between the name and the named object (which can have the shape of a point, line or area) the relation between the name and other names (there may be a hierarchy of names, like continent-country-province) which has a bearing on the named object. Without insight in these name locating habits and their bearing on the resulting maps, toponymical map use results will lose their relevance.