Fritz C. Kessler

A Qualitative Evaluation of MapTime, A Program For Exploring Spatiotemporal Point Data

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to provide a user evaluation of MapTime, a software package for exploring spatiotemporal data associated with point locations, and (2) to examine some cognitive issues associated with the display of a dynamic geographic phenomenon - the change in population for cities over time. The methodology consists of a combination of individual interviews and focus groups conducted for three distinct groups of participants: novices, geography students, and domain experts. Some of the key findings are (1) that people do not naturally think of time lines in association with time (clocks and calendars are more common), which raises questions about the use of a linear time line for controlling animations; (2) that pictographic symbols tend to be preferred over geometric symbols for static maps, but pictographic symbols are apt to be too complex for animated maps; (3) that animations, small multiples, and change maps all have important roles to play in examining spatiotemporal da...

MapTime: Software for Exploring Spatiotemporal Data Associated with Point Locations

We introduce MapTime, a software package for exploring spatiotemporal data associated with point locations. Three basic exploration methods are available in Map-Time: animation, small multiples, and change maps. Animated maps can be presented either automatically (at a specified frame rate) or under user control (by dragging a scroll box along a scroll bar). We found the user-controlled approach most effective, but this and other Map-Time features ultimately need to be evaluated by map users. Potential research issues related to animation include developing a temporal legend that can facilitate understanding animations (a key problem is associating the correct dates with changes in the spatiotemporal pattern) and selecting an appropriate frame rate for the automatic display of various phenomena. Small multiples involve presenting multiple temporal elements simultaneously; they are thus useful for comparing individual temporal elements with one another. We argue that small multiples could be particularly u...

Volunteered Geographic Information: A Bicycling Enthusiast Perspective

Mapping technologies have made considerable strides in recent decades. Global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing satellites, Web-based mapping services, and geographic information systems (GIS) have facilitated the collection, distribution, analysis, and ultimately interaction with geospatial information. In particular, portable GPS have altered how individuals participate in mapping. Individuals can use GPS to collect tracings of their personal interactions with the environment. These interactions can then be uploaded to one of many available Web-based mapping services. Once uploaded, the geospatial data can be mapped and shared among the broader community of users. Such volunteered geographic information (VGI) exemplifies the conceptualization of an individual collecting, mapping, and sharing personal geographic information. This paper focuses on challenges surrounding VGI. To help place these challenges in a broader context, specialized Web services and GPS technologies developed for the bicycling community will serve as examples of the current status and future prospects of VGI.

Analysis of Thematic Maps Published in Two Geographical Journals in the Twentieth Century

This article examines changes in the design of thematic maps in two geographical journals (the Annals of the Association of American Geographers and The Geographical Journal) over the course of the twentieth century. We analyzed the design of thematic maps using both qualitative and quantitative content analyses. The qualitative content analysis involved writing positive and negative comments pertaining to eleven map design elements. For the quantitative content analysis, we created a set of seventeen items based on many of these same map design elements, but for each item there was a fixed set of possible nominal or ordinal-level responses. We also rated the overall effectiveness of map design using a ten-point scale. The overall design rating revealed a significant, albeit gradual, improvement in map design over the twentieth century, with considerable variation for individual years. The quantitative content analysis suggested that the improvement in map design over time was a function of improved readability and visual hierarchy and to some extent an improved logic of symbology (the latter was not significant over time). Perhaps more interesting were the summary statistics for certain map design elements. For instance, a source was not included on the majority of maps even though we felt that the maps could have been interpreted more effectively if a source were included. Another interesting finding was that thematic maps frequently fell in to what we describe as a miscellaneous category. Choropleth, dot, and other familiar thematic map symbolization types were much less common and their frequency varied considerably from year to year. Overall, our results are disconcerting because the quality of map design in these journals did not reflect our disciplines long interest in mapping and the importance of cartography to geography.

Cues for Interpreting Distortion in Map Projections.

Abstract The ability to recognize distortions of, for example, areas, angles, and landmass shapes in global-scale map projections, is an important part of critical map reading and use. This study investigates the cues used by individuals when they assess distortion on global-scale map projections. It was hypothesized that landmass shape would be a dominant cue used by individuals with no formal map projection training and that as projection knowledge increased the cues would become more systematic (e.g., use the graticule). Results indicate a tendency for novices to rely on landmass shape as a cue. Some evidence of a systematic evaluation of projections was also found.

Focus Groups as a Means of Qualitatively Assessing the U-Boat Narrative

This article presents the results of using focus groups to evaluate the U-Boat Narrative (UBN), a data exploration system focusing on the submarine conflict of 1939-1945. UBN was developed in response to the limitations inherent in existing methods used to convey information about the conflict, which generally fail to adequately convey the spatiotemporal aspect of the U-boat wars chronology. In response to these limitations, the computer, with its animation and interactive capabilities, was suggested as a possible solution. A prototype of UBN was developed that contained two components: narratives and data exploration modules. The narratives provided a background on the U-boat war through static maps, text, and pictures, while the data exploration modules allowed users to see an animation of Allied ships sunk and damaged, select from various attributes, and view several statistical and graphical representations. Three focus groups (made up of novices, historians, and cartographers, respectively) assessed...

Map Projections and the Internet

The field of map projections can be described as mathematical, static, and challenging. However, this description is evolving in concert with the development of the Internet. The Internet has enabled new outlets for software applications, learning, and interaction with and about map projections . This chapter examines specific ways in which the Internet has moved map projections from a relatively obscure paper-based setting to a more engaging and accessible online environment. After a brief overview of map projections, this chapter discusses four perspectives on how map projections have been integrated into the Internet. First, map projections and their role in web maps and mapping services is examined. Second, an overview of online atlases and the map projections chosen for their maps is presented. Third, new programming languages and code libraries that enable map projections to be included in mapping applications are reviewed. Fourth, the Internet has facilitated map projection education and research especially with the map reader’s comprehension and understanding of complex topics like map projection distortion is discussed.

Results of the 2009 Cartographic Perspectives Readership Survey

Cartographic Perspectives (CP) publishes interesting and unique cartographically-related material from a diverse population of mapping enthusiasts. CP has been published three times a year since the journal’s first issue appeared in 1989. This current issue marks CP’s sixty-third issue. By most measures in the print industry, this longevity should be cause for excitement. And publishing sixty-three issues is. However, as with all entities that persist through time, one should be introspective as to what makes the journal appealing and what is lackluster. This introspection is important so as to gauge the journal’s health and make plans for a continued successful future. This article presents the results of a survey of NACIS members that was conducted in January 2009. The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the shared sentiments of NACIS members regarding CP, what the membership sees as CP’s strengths and weaknesses, and what new directions the membership would like to see the journal take in order to maintain its unique appeal.