Kenneth Field

Geospatial big data and cartography : research challenges and opportunities for making maps that matter

ABSTRACT Geospatial big data present a new set of challenges and opportunities for cartographic researchers in technical, methodological and artistic realms. New computational and technical paradigms for cartography are accompanying the rise of geospatial big data. Additionally, the art and science of cartography needs to focus its contemporary efforts on work that connects to outside disciplines and is grounded in problems that are important to humankind and its sustainability. Following the development of position papers and a collaborative workshop to craft consensus around key topics, this article presents a new cartographic research agenda focused on making maps that matter using geospatial big data. This agenda provides both long-term challenges that require significant attention and short-term opportunities that we believe could be addressed in more concentrated studies.

An investigation into challenges experienced when route planning, navigating and wayfinding

ABSTRACT Some map users still experience difficulties when attempting to route plan, navigate and/or wayfind. This paper provides information on the outcomes of a research project that aims to identify the nature of the difficulties/challenges these users experience. The paper draws on findings from studies of strategies used by novice and experienced map users, and users with poor spatial abilities, to identify the skills that those with poor spatial abilities or with little map reading experience lack. Data were collected using Tobii Pro Glasses 2 hardware and associated software. Fourteen participants walked between two predetermined locations while wearing eye-tracking glasses and speaking their thoughts aloud. The data collected in this study were analysed using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Analysis of the results shows three key findings for this particular group: looking at the map incessantly led to missed environmental cues; street names were not labelled at decision-making points on the map; and some individuals having poor spatial abilities prefer small-scale landmarks, for example, buildings with numbers to locate themselves, as opposed to using road names or larger landmarks. We argue that by considering these findings, map designs could be adjusted to meet the needs of map users with poor spatial abilities.

Becksploitation: The Over-use of a Cartographic Icon

Abstract When one thinks of a map depicting London, generally the image that appears is that of the map designed by Henry (Harry) Beck (1902–1974). It has become a design icon despite the fact that it eschews topography (other than the River Thames) and focuses on the simplified depiction of the topology of the Underground rail network. Beck’s map, designed in 1931, and first made available to London commuters in 1933, has become the image of the geography of London and, generally, the mental map that defines how London ‘works’. Station names have become synonymous with the above-ground landscape and the network is such that most of London’s landmarks can be readily located through the map. Navigating between them is a simple process and while the city above is a socio-economic and cultural soup, the simplicity of the map brings a sense of order, structure and sensibility. It is a perfect counterpoint to the chaos at street level. In cartographic terms, Beck’s map works and marries form with function perfectly. It retains the status of ‘the’ map of London and manages to simplify the network, be harmonious, coherent, balanced and all with minimal topographic distortion. The symbols are clear and well crafted; the composition and layout, though somewhat challenged by network changes since 1933, remains useful; and the design has remained relatively unchanged over the last 80 years which creates stability in appearance and breeds confidence in its use. However, this paper asserts that Beck’s map is over-used in myriad ways beyond the reason for its invention. The effect of such abuse has perhaps been to dilute its own place in cartographic history. There have been many official iterations that have not always successfully married Beck’s design ideas with network changes; other metro maps have often tried to imitate but with mediocre success; and the map is perpetually used as a template for mimics and alternatives. The map has become a model for parody which we assert is bad for the map and potentially damaging for cartography.

Mapping Social-Network Interactions

Blogs, micro-blogs and online forums are fundamental building blocks of an interconnected world. They provide a mechanism for people to communicate details of their lives and the spatial locations of their activities. Desktop, online and mobile mapping APIs have never been so rich yet this presents challenges to build applications that blend meaningful content with visual appeal.

UK election cartography

ABSTRACT In this paper, we explore the history of the cartography of UK elections; we illustrate how it has changed as a result of technological change and also due to the changing demands of electoral map consumers. We then focus on the way in which maps were used (and possibly also abused) across many of the various media outlets that reported the 2015 General Election in the United Kingdom. The review reveals a fascinating consensus in terms of map type, style and functionality though, naturally, the extent to which various maps were useful varies. However, what is most interesting is seeing their form coalesce towards a common format. A new default appears to be emerging. We then offer two alternative maps of the UK 2015 General Election, which contribute to the development of modified symbology for thematic cartography. In the first, we demonstrate how an artistic representation can have benefits in displaying what are essentially very messy data. In the second, we create a new 3D hexagonal cartogram. In summary, we suggest that despite the apparent coalescing it might be too early in the cartography of elections to think that a final form has now been reached as our experiments show.

Fifty Years of The Cartographic Journal

The Cartographic Journal was established a year after the founding of the British Cartographic Society in 1963 and so 2014 marked 50 years since the first, general-distribution journal of cartography in English was published. This paper offers a brief account of its genesis and its development in reflecting and shaping the leading themes in cartographic research over the years, and explains how the Societys flagship publication and an official journal of the ICA (International Cartographic Association) has maintained its position at the forefront of academic publishing in cartography.

Mapping the London 2012 Olympics

Abstract The London 2012 Olympic Games was a true spectacle of sporting achievement. It also provided the impetus for official organisations, news media and individuals to turn the vast amount of data into map form. This paper provides an outline of some of the cartographic highlights (and one or two lowlights) that the Olympics inspired. There were some great maps on view and also some interesting trends emerging, particularly in terms of web maps and web maps used as infographics. In particular, the Dorling cartogram saw widespread use, particularly to map medal tallies by online news media.

Portrayal and Cartography

This chapter summarizes the state of the art in cartography, offers design guidelines as advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of the map as a communications medium, and illustrates how certain characteristics may be better displayed one way over another. Cartography is a huge subject; this chapter does not attempt to be a comprehensive course, nor a definitive text in the subject of cartography (of which there are a number of excellent examples cited in the references section). However, once you have read this chapter, you will find yourself better equipped to understand cartography and be more critically aware of how to represent your information effectively. It also invites you to learn more about cartography as a crucial part of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Developing a Geo-Collaborative Web Map to Support Student Fieldwork

We begin by reiterating the pedagogic benefits of fieldwork and e-Learning individually before demonstrating added value by integrating the two with social networks and a collaborative infrastructure. Utilizing an exercise repeated over 2 days with identical goals but different instructional methodologies, we present the results from students’ engagement within our geocollaborative web map environment. We developed an innovative, award winning fieldcourse experience by building on web-based learning undertaken before the trip, enhanced staff—student communication, reflective learning and inquiry-based learning during the trip through widespread use of mobile technology and social networks.

Cartographic Design and Aesthetics “FAQ”

tionship with cartographic design. We will not explore the topic in any detail or discuss problems associated with the creation of “rules” of design, but will instead focus on providing some concise definitions for the benefit of practicing mapmakers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the concept of aesthetics. We hope that these will encourage a greater appreciation of this under-researched topic and its significance within cartographic practice.