Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Advanced Map Optimalization
Based on Eye-Tracking
Stanislav Popelka, Alzbeta Brychtova, Jan Brus and Vít Voženílek
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/46190
1. Introduction
Mapmakers and cartographers perceive maps differently than the target group of users. In
the case map is created by someone else than a professional cartographer the process of
making maps suffers by considerable degree of subjectivity. Despite the several-hundred-
years effort of objectification of map making process, cartographers sometimes have
difficulties to imagine the way how the user will use the map, especially the way of map
perception, reading, analysis and interpretation [1]. Cartographers often lack the reasoning
for the decision-making in balancing the map design and layout, designing a map
symbology, choosing the cartographic method of visualization or level of generalization [2].
For these reasons it is necessary to carry out a research on user perception of maps.
According to Golledge and Stimson [3] the perception is function of a cognition (thinking),
which can be understood as a way of encoding, storing and integrating information into
existing knowledge. In order to study reading and using maps the perception is very
important, because it helps to structure the area depicted on the map.
Several approaches of the research on user perception and evaluation of the applicability
and effectiveness of maps exist. The eye-tracking is one of the rarely used. Based on results
of eye movements analyses, many questions, that were not yet been discussed in
cartography adequately, can be answered. For example, how users obtain information from
the map, what is the strategy of map reading, how often users look to the map legend, how
easily can be map symbols interpreted, etc. Analyses of maps usability can help in
optimizing the map symbology, composition or design, so the new maps can be created in
order to respect the specific user's requirements.
The main sensory channel for cognitive processes is vision [4]; therefore the research on map
visual perception is necessary
