Introduction - Methods for Multilevel Analysis and Visualisation of Geographical Networks - page 10

The convergence of the network multiterritoriality paradigm collaboratively
formulated and manipulated by geographers and computer scientists produced
the SPANGEO project (Spatial Networks in Geography) in 2005. Although the
methods inspired by graph analysis and visualisation could improve the ability to
comprehend large, complex networks and flows, geographers still must confirm the
relevance of these methods through solid and informative conclusions based on the
data. The robustness of the computing methodologies can only be assessed based
on the knowledge that the proposed technology enables geographers to acquire.
The entire project was developed by the Visual Analytics Loop ( Thomas & Cook ,
2006 ; van Wijk , 2005 ) in which geographers contributed to the visualisation design.
Insights based on the data and its visualisation inspired geographers to adopt
methods for exploring the phenomena underlying different data through an iterative
loop that began on the first day and continued until the project's end. SPANGEO,
which was supported by the ANR in France from 2005 to 2008, initially involved
a core team that continuously expanded to include new teams and new people
through support from European Research Group S4 (Spatial Simulations for Social
Sciences) under the direction of Denise Pumain.
The increasing amount of available networks data presents a challenge to
quantitative geography. Compared to other disciplines, most of the data are available
through population surveys, although the networks data in international comparative
studies is not always homogeneous. The computer sciences offer geographers the
opportunity to fully exploit their data and confront complex issues that require
new methodologies and strategies of analysis. Until recently, the primary tool
for visualising and analysing geographical and social data was use visual cues
to superimpose quantities over a world map (e.g. Bertin , 1973 ). Currently, it is
possible to employ cybergeography and new visual and analytical paradigms that
complement and improve the traditional visualisations using world maps. Because
new visualisations generate new issues, the multilevel analysis and visualisation of
geographical networks transforms the geographical approach to the definition of
places and hierarchies ( Pumain , 2006 ).

1.7 Outline of This Volume

The multilevel, multiscale and multidimensional aspects of spatial analysis provided
a privileged terrain that geographers and computer scientists shared within the
SPANGEO project. This volume assembles some of the contributions based on
this collaborative project. Most of the papers represent collaborations between
geographers and computer scientists. Many conferences and workshops created a
common language and conceptual background to develop approaches and methods
to address questions in geography. New issues also emerged from the SPANGEO
project research.