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Cartographica
Volume 49, Number 3, Fall 2014
This issue contains:
Spreading Map Information over Different Depth Layers – An Improvement for Map-Reading Efficiency?
Dennis Edler, Oliver Huber, Claudia Knust, et al.
In recent years, True-3D representations such as lenticular visualization have entered the stage of analogue and, especially, digital cartography. The increase of 3D displays as products of mass media raises some fundamental questions about a new generation of 3D maps. Auto-stereoscopic displays allow cartographers to design 3D maps covering several information layers located at different positions along the depth axis. However, it remains unclear whether the opportunity to spread map information over different information depth layers can improve cartographic communication by helping to increase the duration and accuracy of map reading. This article presents the results of an empirical study, based on the test results achieved by 83 geography students who counted different map symbols in a series of 2D or 3D thematic maps of differing complexity. DOI: 10.3138/carto.49.3.2142
Coordinate Questions in the Web Environment
Andrea Favretto
This article contributes to the clarification of the coordinate reference systems (CRS) used by some Web mapping applications. This is a complex issue, mainly because of a lack of pertinent information; there is little published literature on CRS, and information available online – which is not produced by mapping experts – is fragmented and often imprecise. Following a short introduction focusing on Web mapping and the European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG) database, which is currently maintained and published by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) Geomatics Committee, the article analyzes the CRS used by some well-known Web mapping applications, such as Google Maps and Bing Maps (planimetric browsers) and Google Earth (virtual globe). Some geodetic technical information is given, with reference to the main desktop GIS software libraries and to reports on CRS queried from different versions of the EPSG database (2008–2013). DOI: 10.3138/carto.49.3.2255
Flexible Mixed Reality and Situated Simulation as Emerging Forms of Geovisualization
Chris Lonergan, Nick Hedley
This article reports on the applied research behind a geospatial mobile augmented reality system that can run in situ simulations of dynamic spatial phenomena. The authors summarize previous work that has led to a critical convergence of enabling technologies and identify new forms of geovisualization facilitated by these technologies. The article introduces situated simulation as a new form of augmented situated geovisual analysis, using two versions of a prototype system called A Touch of Rain. This system allows users to run augmented precipitation simulations in real space, in which virtual rain falls on and interacts with real landscapes and buildings, and thus to perform augmented geovisual analysis. This method opens up new opportunities to link geospatial data, models, and everyday spaces. The authors conclude by discussing implications and opportunities for GIScience. DOI: 10.3138/carto.49.3.2440
A User Study of Experimental Maps for Outdoor Activities
Juha Oksanen, Hanna-Marika Halkosaari, Tapani Sarjakoski, et al.
This article presents results from a user study on experimental maps created for outdoor activities and demonstrates methods suitable for analyzing the map survey data. The first goal of the study was to find out to what degree the experimental maps created for the study satisfy the needs of map users in general. The second was a detailed exploration of opinions on the different map types to look for trends related to age, frequency of map use, or amount of time spent in nature. A third goal was to gauge interest and willingness to pay for experimental maps as printed products. In addition, the article demonstrates how cross-tabulation and correspondence analysis can be used to conduct versatile quantitative analysis and interpret map survey data. The survey results suggest that the conventional topographic-map-like products for outdoor activities currently offered by map publishers should be supplemented by new kinds of maps to attract and educate digital natives to become active map users. At the same time, the quality of information and representation of terrain accessibility on maps for outdoor activities must not be compromised simply to fulfil the broad-based needs of map users. DOI: 10.3138/carto.49.3.2185
REVIEWS OF BOOKS & ATLASES
Painting A Map Of Sixteenth-Century Mexico City: Land, Writing, And Native Rule
Denis Wood
DOI: 10.3138/carto.49.3.rev01
Cartographica is available online at:
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Cartographica Online includes the complete archive of current and previously published articles going back to 1964 (issue 1.1), when Cartographica was known as The Cartographer. More than 165 regular and special issues, 1800 articles and reviews await you at this comprehensive resource.
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Posted by T Hawkins, UTP Journals