Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Representations, Diagrams and Visualizations of
Space and Place
William Cartwright
School of Mathematical and Geographical Sciences
RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
william.cartwright@rmit.edu.au
Abstract
Users have a wide choice of artefacts for use in gaining a greater under-
standing of geography. They are generously provisioned with maps, dia-
grams, imagery and visualizations that can be output on paper, viewed on
screen or manipulated as an interactive product. Generally, in the past
these products were generated by a designer/producer prior to actual use.
However, relatively recently, 'self-generating' maps have become possible
via Web 2.0. These have little or no cartographer input and they are gener-
ated from data captured and provided by sensors, cellular telephone data
and satellite imagery. They provide immediate geographical visualisations
to 'wired' map consumers.
Whilst these maps with self-generated content provide visualisations of
massive amounts of data about space almost in real-time, do they provide
any information about place whatsoever? Are they just a 'picture' of what
is there (in a space), rather than a medium that can facilitate real informa-
tion provision about place? It is argued that maps and diagrams generally
provide a considered representation of place, whilst self-generating visu-
alisations are merely a visual record about 'what is there'.
To providers of geographical information in the form of maps and map-
related artefacts, the designer's goal is to produce a representation that
informs about a place. However, if maps and diagrams are used to provision
users with information about REAL places alongside maps with self-
generated content/visualisations about a space, how can users of carto-
graphic products be sure whether space is not confused or substituted for
place?
