Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Augmenting Quantum-GIS for collaborative and
interactive Tabletops
Viard A.
1
, Bailly G.
2
Lecolinet É.
2
Fritsch E
1
1
ENSG/Paris-Est University - Applied Geomatics Laboratory, Marne-la-Vallée, France ;
alexandre.viard@ensg.eu
2
Télécom ParisTech - CNRS LTCI, PARIS, France
Abstract
This paper presents our QGIS-MT, an extension of Quantum GIS (QGIS)
for interactive tabletops. First proposed is an interactive and collaborative
environment that allows several users to interact simultaneously on a mul-
ti-touch surface. This environment aims at favoring communication among
users and at enhancing social awareness and the decision-making process.
Next presented are the results of an interview with GIS users, which gives
support to the proposed approach. In addition, presented here is a novel
interaction technique, called Finger-Count Shortcuts that lets you navigate
and activate numerous commands quickly and easily by performing simple
finger gestures. Finally, there is a detailed discussion of how Quantum GIS
was integrated into this environment and how our QGIS-MT plug-in pro-
viding multi-touch capabilities and Finger-Count Shortcuts were imple-
mented in standard GIS menus.
1- Introduction
The complexity of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has constantly
been increasing. Users can now access a huge amount of geographical data
(e.g. from satellite imagery or databases), which requires appropriate solu-
tions for storing and visualizing data (Kothuri. et al. 2002, Kraak et al.
1996). Moreover, the number of features keeps increasing, now including
not only basic navigation and editing tools, but also numerous specialized
tools (e.g., for spatial analysis, hydraulic modeling, etc.) Finally, it is im-
portant to make it possible for several users to work together and to facilitate
