CARTOGRAPHY AND VISUALIZATION I

Lesson 4

By Mwaura Joshua | @openmapsCo on Twitter

Lesson 3: Interactive Mapping

Interactive Mapping | Electronic Atlases

  • Electronic Atlases are combination of maps viewed on-screen
  • Types of electronic atlas;
    1. View-only atlases
    2. Interactive electronic atlases
    3. Analytical electronic atlases

Electronic Atlases | View-only

  • Electronic versions of paper atlases, without extra functionality, but with the possibility to random access to the maps
    • Advantage - cheaper cost of production, distribution and update
  • More to their use is the possibility to view different maps together on a single monitor screen

Electronic Atlases | Interactive

  • Intended for a more computer-literate audience
    • Allow interactive environment users to manipulate the data sets
  • The principle here is that there are no true maps;
    1. Each map is a specific selection of data
    2. Adjust the classification method or extend the number of classes at will

Electronic Atlases | Analytical

  • Users have full potential of the electronic environment
    • Data sets can be combined, as atlas user is no longer restricted to the themes selected by the cartographer for the atlas
    • Computations is possible on areas, on themes within determined boundaries
    • GIS functionalities available
  • Emphasis is on assessing the spatial information and results visualization

Electronic Atlases | Concept

  • An electronic atlas is a computerized GIS related to a certain area or theme in connection with a given purpose, in which maps play a dominant role

Electronic Atlases | Atlas Information systems

  • Computer's analytical power gives the atlas an extra dimension
  • A good example is the Atlas of Canada
  • Click Information system
  • Maps in these atlases are accessed through the World Wide Web, and depicted items can be queried
    • On cursor hover action, -popup window with more details appears
    • Click action on map elements, - its name will be shown, as well as whether it is navigable or not

Electronic Atlases | Atlas Information systems

  • Thus, its a combination of database, graphical user interface (GUI) & other software functions developed to access the information
    • relates all data sets to each other
    • allows data sets to tell specific story/stories
  • An electronic atlas is only useful when users have a clear idea of its overall possibilities & structures, how to access the information & available navigation tools

Electronic Atlases | Web atlases

  • Web atlases are websites that allow users to select any area and atlases consecutively provide maps (or satellite imagery) of that area
  • No particular objective is involved in the provision of these maps or images other than reference
  • The power of web atlases;
    • easeness of updating information
    • allows interactivity
    • links through to additional data servers
    • National Atlas

Electronic Atlases | Uses or functions

  • Explains patterns

  • Analysis and decision-making

  • Comparison

  • Maps as interfaces with databases

Try out...

  • Create an electronic atlases containing 4 maps; use a software of your choice

--- End of Lesson 4---

That’s it!

Queries about this Lesson, please send them to: jmwaura.uni@gmail.com

***References***

  • Mapping, Society, and Technology, Steven Manson
  • Web Cartography, Map Design for Interactive and Mobile Devices, Ian Muehlenhaus
  • Web Cartography, Menno-Jan Kraak and Allan Brown, ITC
  • Cartography, Thematic Map Design, Borden D. Dent
  • GIS Cartography, A Guide to Effective Map Design, Gretchen N. Peterson
  • Thematic Cartography and Geovisualization, Terry A. Slocum et.al
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