Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
computer graphics packages, multimedia authoring software, web authoring, animation
software and direct programming. Their use of geographical information resources is diverse
and includes:
printed paper maps;
computer monitor displays from mapping, GIS and CD-ROM packages;
Web-delivered map information;
aerial photographs and remotely sensed imagery; and
other artefacts like drawings, plans, animations, micro formats, photographs, video and
film.
Other media they used in conjunction with 'main stream' products were graphics, dia-
grams, sound (including verbal instructions), television, tactile maps and compact disc-
interactive.
These profiles included the types of products used regularly, their usual method of map
production, the types of geographical information products they commonly use and the
other methods they would use to support the communication of geographical information.
A questionnaire elicited comments about the metaphor set employed. Reviewers were
asked to rate on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree with the statement) to 5 (strongly agree)
their agreement or disagreement with comments about the metaphor set. The reviewers
agreed/strongly agreed with the statement that other support or ancillary information helps
users of geographical information better understand the information being depicted. They
generally thought that maps alone are the best communication devices for geographical
information. The metaphor set was supported as being a useful adjunct to the use of maps
(mainly agreement or strong agreement with the statement). All reviewers agreed (most of
them strongly) that the combined use of both discrete and distributed (web) products is a
good way of providing map and ancillary information in the context of the
GeoExplorato-
rium
.
In a second section of the questionnaire reviewers were asked to make general comments
in five categories. The responses were sought to ascertain why users would choose this type of
product over existing products and how it should be used. Comments were also requested
about the metaphor set and how it might be improved. Lastly, the reviewers' thoughts
regarding the actual demonstration product were requested to see how the product might
be improved in terms of the general content and the way it operated. The answers to the first
question illustrate the use of the product for better understanding the town. The question
asked was:
In your opinion, what would motivate users to use something like the demonstration
product to complement maps for the 'discovery' of geographical information?
The responses to
this question are listed in Table 6.1.
6.7.2 Townsville GeoKnowledge product
Subjective methods are typically used to determine the level of media quality required in
applications. At this stage of evaluation, an attempt was made to implement a more formal
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