Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
12
Intelligent Systems in Cartography
Zdena Dobesova and Jan Brus
Palacký University in Olomouc
Czech Republic
1. Introduction
According to the recent progress and technical development in Geographic Information
Science (GIScience) [Kraak, MacEachren, 1999], and in information technology we can trace
the progressive significance of the role of maps, images, and computer graphics as
mediators of collaboration - in a range of contexts including environmental and urban
planning, resource management, scientific inquiry, and education [Brewer et al., 2000].
Maps became a tool for sharing knowledge around people. They are comprehended as a
unique expression tool used for a variety of purposes that can be broadly grouped around
two main roles: maps as tools for analysis, problem solving and decision making "visual
thinking", [MacEachren, Kraak, 1997], and maps as tools for communication of ideas
between people. Although the communicative role of maps seems to fully comply with the
cartographic tradition, it should be borne in mind that the concept of cartographic
communication has recently extended [Andrienko, Andrienko, Voss, 2002]. Maps are unique
means for communication of adequate amount of spatial information. Visualizing allows us
to grasp and retain larger amount of information compared to the usage of words. Without
the visual image, recalling the same information would require memorizing a long list of
area descriptions [O'Looney, 2000].
If the maps are processed correctly, they transmit spatial information accurately and
quickly. If some of the rules of cartography are violated, communication of spatial
information is inaccurate. The communication of spatial information is sometimes
completely wrong. Subsequently, the map-reader can be significantly affected by the result
of representation of information. From the other point of view, badly understood map may
have fatal consequences in crisis management when transferring of the right information
between collaborating people is necessary. In this context, map plays the role of symbolic
operator able to act in such a decision making, characterized by urgency and criticality.
Thus, the good knowledge of all the rules for maps making is expected from the map maker.
Knowledge of design principles can help the user create a highly specialized view on the
data. Customized and right visualized data can help viewers identify patterns, which can be
lost when using the un-adequate method [O'Looney, 2000].
Map making process can be done in two main ways. Firstly, the users make map from some
datasets using adequate software. The opposite situation requires map server as end tool for
visualizing of datasets. In both cases is necessary build-in acquired cartographical
