Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
concept, which is mainly connected to images, especially dynamic visualiza-
tions, made with computers. Connecting the concept of visualization to the
type of media used in communication helps in distinguishing differences at
a pragmatic level, but a broader consideration would holistically consider
both maps and computer images to be part of systems that also rely on other
technologies for visualizing geographic things and events. Following the dis-
tinction made here, “visualization” refers to two other important properties
for cartographic communication. Display scale, the first property, points to
the constraints and capabilities of electronic displays ranging from
cellphone displays to LCD projector. The size and resolution of these dis-
plays is often limited, necessitating the use of user-controlled zooming func-
tions to change the focus of the display. Second, the tangibility and tempo-
rality of visualizations are often f leeting. What is on the display one second
may be gone the next, and returning to previous images may be impossible
or cumbersome.
Alan MacEachren, a cartographer, developed a conceptual framework
for thinking through cartographic representation issues and the important
roles of cartographic representation. His work focuses on various forms of
map use for cartographic communication or visualization as communication.
All map use involves visualization, or cartographic representation, but map
use also varies in terms of its relationship to public and private spheres,
human interaction with maps, and how the map is used for presentation or
discovery. These aspects of cartographic representation should not only
contextualize geographic representation, but should also be included among
the factors considered when preparing maps or visualizations.
Pragmatic Cartographic Representation Issues
For the pragmatic creation of GI and maps, you need to understand some
basic issues and their roles for maps and visualizations.
MacEachren's Visualization Cube.
From MacEachren (1994). Reprinted by permission of Alan
MacEachren.
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