Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
interaction functionalities to change the map
s content and scale, suitable tools for
the exploration of thematic and geographical facts have to be implemented.
The visual design of a cartographic information system has to take care of all
above mentioned properties and prerequisites of such applications. This applies to
the cartographic representation as well as the visual implementation of all system
functions. Appropriate measures in the sense of the use of “metaphors” from
existing systems for the recognition of functionality shows a high efficacy.
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Considerations on Testing Methods for Cartographic
Information Systems
The use of individual usability methods in the special discipline of cartography and
geographic information is described in numerous publications. Roth ( 2011 ) exam-
ined particularly graphical user interfaces of web-based information systems with
geographic/cartographic focus. A significant increase in research activity in recent
years can be seen in the use of “eye-movement-tracking” methods in cartography.
Pretorius et al. showed 2005 the potential of this method by recording fixations and
eye movements of the user. ¸¨ ltekin et al. ( 2009 ) used the method to evaluate the
effectiveness of interactive cartographic systems. Heil ( 2010 ) describes the poten-
tial of the method for the use in cartography as follows: “The eye tracking data
helped in understanding the cognitive processes of the participants during system
usage.”
In addition to the exploration of individual methods and their specific applica-
tion in the evaluation of cartographic products, a tendency of using multiple
methods can be seen. Robinson et al. ( 2005 ) used this approach for the development
and evaluation of interactive systems in epidemiological studies. A comprehensive
assessment of the potential of the combination of several methods was published by
Bleisch ( 2011 ). She emphasized that: “
the weaknesses of one method are
compensated for with strengths from other methods while ideally even having
strengths in similar areas thus increasing the validity of the research.”
A similar holistic approach to the implementation of user-centred development
as well as the use of well known, proven methods usability testing is followed by
the Commission on Use and User Issues of the International Cartographic Associ-
ation (ICA). A key objective of the work of this commission is the process of
adapting the principles of user-centred development for the use in the planning,
design and implementation of cartographic products.
However, the variety of available procedures and methods for testing the
usability has hardly expanded in recent years. In addition to both qualitative and
quantity methods that require the active participation of the users, procedures which
can be performed without the direct participation of the users involvement can be
seen as innovative. These forms of test methods, such as the logging and analysis of
user interaction with an interactive system, as described by Atterer et al. ( 2006 )as
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