Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
The User Centered Framework
for Visualization of Spatial Data Quality
Jan Brus and Vil´m Pechanec
Visualization of uncertainty of spatial data includes a wide range of issues relating
to data quality of the individual components, their definition, nature, database
design, graphic methods, selection and implementation, dynamic monitoring and
description of the error propagation in GIS operations, and many more. It follows
that it is necessary to explore, extend and integrate existing research in uncertainty
visualization of spatial data. The notion of uncertainty is defined the first part of
paper, there is also described the issue of data quality as a variable which is used for
visualization of uncertainty in spatial data. The principals of uncertainty visualiza-
tion are discussed further more with emphasis on basic theories that have major
impact on shaping the contemporary concept of uncertainty visualization. The
attention is focused primarily on issues related to communication models, cogni-
tion, perception and semiotics. It is emphasized the need to perform research not
only in particular visualizations, but also to carry out research which develops
specific frameworks and concepts of visualization of spatial data quality. Proposed
frameworks should incorporate users as a key factor which influences whole
visualization. In this study the widen user centered framework of uncertainty
visualization is proposed. This framework is based on results from user centered
research on uncertainty visualization and on the basis of obtained findings and
results from testing. This framework is able to reflect the various hierarchical
natures of spatial data and integrate the various parameters of quality of spatial
data as a basis for visualization.
