Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
are subsequently reprocessed for the designated distribution channels
(web, data media, print) and tailored to the targeted user interaction.
Interaction of the GIS and VIS components is embedded in a generic
process chain (Wolff & Asche 2008). In this workflow the GIS and VIS
components act as a system back- and frontend. The GIS backend allows
for the graphic-free processing, storage and management of the atlas stock.
The VIS frontend facilitates a graphic-oriented analogue visualisation of
the selected atlas datasets fully in line with cartographic quality require-
ments. According to the application or visualisation requirements the VIS
frontend can either be a vector-oriented 2D VIS package or a complex 3D
VIS system (Wolff & Asche 2008). The current edition of the Swiss
national atlas can be considered an exemplary exponent of the GIS-VIS
component solution (Sieber & Huber 2007). To date, a fully integrated
GIS-based GISVIS system is not available, since a professional solution
would require the automatic derivation of a scalable graphic model from
the digital GIS data model.
2.3 Map module: rule-based map compilation
In this context efforts in the ATB research presented here are directed to
engineer and automate quality map production in a GIS-VIS environment.
This can be accomplished by conceptualising a framework of rule-based
quality map production using the modular principle. The development and
implementation of the ATB component will significantly contribute to
optimal visualisation of map data as well as professional, cost-effective
map production. For this reason the ATB concept includes a separate
visualisation (VIS) module for professional cartographic map modelling
and visualisation (Buckley et al. 2005).
3- The ATB component system
While the GIS-VIS environment outlined above can be considered the
technical software basis of professional map production. In contrast, the
ATB provides methods, rules and components for the appropriate applica-
tion of both systems. To account for the variety of tasks characteristic of
atlas and map production the ATB is made up of several components, of
