Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
that are taken from a GIS can thereby be integrated, but only in an appropriate
thematic context.
Consistent use of object hierarchies and structures: The stringent use of a strict
hierarchy of objects is imperative in a cartographic information system to
convey data corresponding to the user in a transparent form. To ensure the
effective use of the system, a restrictive-flexible approach of the user has proven
its positive aspects (Gartner et al.
2005
).
Extensive search mechanisms: A range of search mechanisms are to be offered
in a cartographic information system in addition to the aspects mentioned above
and should be followed consistently throughout the system. Search operations
should be based on the three axes of the information space (space, time, content),
as well as combinations of those. Search mechanisms are the user
s entry point to
the information structure without having a knowledge of the logical and physical
data structures itself.
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The above mentioned issues require special demands on cartographic informa-
tion systems that need to be taken into account in the context of a user-centred
development of such an application.
Cartographic information systems represent thematically defined systems that
are generally freely accessible. The selection of the user target groups, as well as the
identification of user needs is an important aspect in the planning of these type of
system, as the essential features and properties of such a systems must be taken into
consideration. For this reason it has proved to be advisable to perform a
pre-evaluation of existing systems at a later development stage, because such
evaluation can lead to a bias in the determination of the user
s needs. The generally
free access to cartographic Internet-based information systems also prevents the
clear definition of whether the user is to be considered as a layman or expert. It is
therefore recommended to avoid such a separation of the system.
The functional and content specifications of a cartographic information system
have the graphic visualization of the available information as maps or other
cartographic expressions—as the conceptual centre of the system. However, as
opposed to a printed map, due to the lower graphical resolution of the screen, an
increased use of interaction functionalities is necessary.
Due to the complexity of Internet-based cartographic information systems, a
transparent information architecture has to be implemented. Procedures for the
recognition of the systems content and its functionalities must be taken into
account, as well as the narrative component in the form of “geographic storytell-
ing”. To ensure the greatest possible flexibility to the user, however restrict the
degree of motion in the system, proves as an efficient and effective way of working.
This “restrictive-flexible” approach to a user interface, which makes system-
dependent limits of the application invisible for the user, has proven itself in
practice (Gartner et al.
2005
).
The map itself is to be regarded as the primary interface of a cartographic
information system to underlying geographical as well as thematic information.
Accordingly, a fact-matched navigation is required. In addition to common
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