Lecture 7.

Spatial Data
Visualization

Dr. F. Karanja
Lecture Outline
7. Spatial Data Visualization
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Objectives
7.3. Overview
7.4. Concepts of Geo-Spatial data Visualization
7.5. Characteristics of Maps
7.6. The Visualization Process
7.7. The application of Visualization Concepts
7.8. Spatial Information Output Media
7.9. Summary
7.10. Activity
7.11. Further Reading
7.1. Introduction
In this lecture, we will discuss the visualization
of spatial information with special focus on
the concepts of visualization, the process of
visualization as well as the possible output
media. How to choose an appropriate
visualization mode depending on the
application has been demonstrated using real
examples.
 7.2. Objectives
At the end of this lecture you should
be able to:-
Explain the concepts of
visualization
Discuss the process of
visualization
Apply the visualization concepts
7.3. Overview (1/11)
much GIS output is in the form of hard copy maps or graphic
displays
design of graphic output is critical if information is to be
conveyed effectively to the user
graphic output from GIS is often poorly designed
e.g. colors used randomly without appropriate scaling
conventional scale of colors used to display elevation on
standard atlas maps has been optimized over centuries of
cartographic experience
design can benefit from principles of cartographic design
developed in cartography
screen display introduces a new set of issues because of
greater capabilities compared with paper maps
7.3. Overview (2/11)
Label Placement
features shown on maps and displays can be differentiated and identified in various ways:
symbols, e.g. church, bridge
colors
sizes
labels
labels provide the greatest flexibility to attach descriptions to point, line and area features
names of administrative divisions, lakes, rivers etc.
elevations of contours, spot heights
highway numbers
in cartography, positioning labels is a complex and sophisticated process
there have been few attempts to write down the rules used (Imhof, 1975 is a well-known
exception)
it has proven difficult to emulate these rules in automated map production or GIS
positioning labels on screen displays is especially difficult because of low resolution (e.g. 640 by
480 pixels), and the importance of speed
by comparison, a plotted map may have an effective resolution of 300 dots per inch, and an hour
computing time may be acceptable
7.3. Overview (3/11)

Imhofs basic rules

names on maps should:

be legible
be easily associated with the features they describe
not overlap other map contents
be placed so as to show the extent of the feature
reflect the hierarchy of features by the use of different font sizes
not be densely clustered nor evenly dispersed
it may not be possible to satisfy all of these rules perfectly
the best solution will balance conflicting objectives, e.g. need to associate name
with feature vs. need to avoid overlap of contents
label placement is a complex problem because of the vast number of possible
positions that have to be searched and the number of conflicting objectives
7.3. Overview (4/11)
Labeling Challenges
Overposting
when features are densely packed on a map or screen, it is difficult to keep labels
separated
labels may overlap (overposting)
Labels must be positioned to avoid overposting, but without destroying the eye's ability to
associate labels with appropriate features
e.g. point features
optimum position for a label is above and to the right
below and to the right is less acceptable
least acceptable positions are to the left
Label can be turned (non-horizontal) if necessary, but only by a small amount
overposting is a problem because the computer must search a vast number of
possible positions
in practice, must limit the number of positions somehow
some solutions define a fixed number of possible absolute positionsother solutions define
a fixed number of positions relative to the feature
7.3. Overview (5/11)

Labeling Challenges

Polygon Labeling
labelling polygons has become notorious within automated mapping as a
difficult and challenging programming problem
the label should be central to the feature, may be reoriented or curved to fit
the feature diagram
in some cases the label may be connected with the feature by an arrow
7.3. Overview (6/11)

Design of Graphic Output

for GIS, graphic output must show:

features appropriately symbolized or labelled
objects computed by the GIS, e.g. buffer zones
relationships
it may be difficult to display the results of some forms of GIS data analysis
because of the constraints of 2D display, e.g.:
3D data
Interaction data (migration, flows of goods)
global data
7.3. Overview (7/11)
Role of Scale

the scale of output should be consistent with input scale

e.g. inappropriate to digitize from 1:1,000,000 map, display at 1:24,000
because data will not be sufficiently accurate
also inappropriate to digitize at 1:24,000, display at 1:1,000,000 without
adequate generalization features will be too dense, too detailed
scale on a CRT screen is as important as on a plotted map
in principle a spatial database is "scale-free", but in practice scale is a
crude indicator of data accuracy
7.3. Overview (8/11)
Role of a basemap
to be useful, a map must include information for visual locational reference
output of computed information alone is rarely useful need base map features as well
e.g. map of cuttable forest stands
needs to show locations of roads, watersheds, streams and lakes, besides cuttable
stands, so user can locate stands on the ground, make decisions based on correct
spatial context
particularly important in raster systems
display of a single layer is rarely useful without some form of basemap for locational
reference
basemap information will normally be vector, or at higher resolution than the raster
this will be difficult if the raster system does not have vector capabilities
input of basemap information can be expensive
difficult to justify digitizing of data just to support interpretation of graphic output
can plot output on top of pre-printed base map
avoids need to digitize base map information
base map must be accurately registered
some GIS support this function
7.3. Overview (9/11)

General Graphic Design

often desirable to create good-looking finished product
e.g. as part of professional report, presentation
undesirable to have map look "computer-produced", excessively abstract or schematic
high cost of providing cosmetic output functions in GIS
e.g. map border neatlines, symbols, north arrows, legends
complexity of programming for these features may be much greater than for analytic
functions
time to plot these features may be high, particularly for pen plotters
some GIS map products are now almost indistinguishable in quality from manual
cartography
is appearance really important in a map drawn to support decision-making?
GIS output maps are to be used directly, not destined for walls or map libraries
should GIS products be simple, schematic, avoid high cost of manual cartographic quality?
marketplace seems to say "no"
7.3. Overview (10/11)

Screen Display
issues are different here because screen is:
smaller, lower resolution than a printed or plotted map
more flexible
zoom, pan, interaction with user, animation, use of color
principles of design of screen displays are still poorly developed
black background or white?
affects perception of color
tradition (PC and mainframe terminals) is black background, Mac and many workstations use
white
hard copy map must display as much information as possible to satisfy possible
user requirements
because system is interactive, screen can display limited information but provide for
access to more
e.g. user "clicks" on or "picks" an object with a mouse, accesses lengthy text description
access to an object's attributes is not limited by constraints of static display
7.3. Overview (11/11)
Scene Generation
maps show geographic variation using symbols, objects, other abstractions
of reality
GISs do not have to do this - why not show a picture of the reality? -
artist's impression?
scene generation is set of techniques for simulating real physical
appearance
e.g. GIS is used to plan a ski area on a mountain which is currently forested
plan could be shown as a map, with contours, green tint for remaining forest,
line objects for ski lifts
scene generation would show oblique perspective view, cover hill with trees of
varying height
current technology allows appearance of trees to be varied depending on
species, age
we are still some way from having hardware fast enough to do this in "real
time"
7.4. Concepts of Geospatial data
Visualization
The concern here is to understand the
basic concept behind geospatial data
visualization. Two issues are considered
namely:-
Characteristics of Maps
The visualization process
7.5. Characteristics of Maps (1/2)
Maps put answers in a spatial perspective. They answer
questions regarding to:-
Where?
What?
When?
Which?
How?
A map is effective, if it is able to communicate the contents
with little ambiguity. Hence the scale of a map is important
and that is why we talk about large scale or small scale maps.
 7.5. Characteristics of Maps (2/2)
Good Map Design
The cardinal rules of mapping:
Make sure that the map meets users needs. Always make this
characteristic rule number one. If the user cant interpret the map or the
map presents the wrong information, all your time and the results of your
analysis are wasted.
Make the map easy to use and understand. Avoid confusion at all costs.
Accuracy is essential to good map design. As much as possible, avoid data
errors, unintended data and graphic distortions, and misinterpretations.
The method of map presentation should relate correctly to the data. Make
sure that you use the right type of map one with the right symbols,
correct classes, scales, projections, and so on.
Allow the user to review and interact with the map during production.
Make sure the user understands what the map is all about, that it meets his
or her needs, and that it communicates the information correctly.
7.6. The Visualization Process (1/3)
This involves converting the spatial data in the database into graphics by applying
cartographic methods and techniques.

The producers of maps could either be cartographers or experts in the various disciplines. The
visualization process is guided by the question How do I say what to whom and is it effective?
, Where,
How refers to the cartographic methods and techniques
I is the cartographer and map maker
Say is the mode of communication either graphics or semantics
What addresses the spatial data and their characteristics
Whom is the map user and the purpose of the map
Effectiveness ensures that the needs of the user have been met.
 7.6. The Visualization Process (2/3)

Cartography and GIS

When you work with GIS software, youre the cartographer.
Unfortunately, you dont automatically inherit the training and experience
that professional cartographers possess because you own the latest and
greatest GIS software.
GIS software provides you access to the cartographers toolkit, but many of
those tools have specialized uses that require instruction and particular
conditions under which you can and should use them.
The cartographic product of your GIS work is important. You can do the most
elaborate and impressive GIS models in the world, but when youre done, you
need to produce a map that the user accepts and, more importantly, that
exactly communicates the analysis.
7.6. The Visualization Process (3/3)
Use of Maps

As a result of technology advances maps are being generated

using GIS by integrating data sets from different sources.
Maps can be used in various ways:-
As input to a GIS
To show intermediate results from a GIS analysis
As an output from a GIS
7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (1/9)

In this section the following will be

considered:-
Cartographic Visual
Variables
Map Cosmetics
Map output media.
 7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (2/9)
Cartographic Visual Variables
Symbolization is a technique used to display map features, i.e. point, line,
area or text. Various variables are employed for this purpose namely:-
Size
Lightness value
Texture
Color
Shape
Orientation

Their role is to enhance and distinguish between or among different

phenomena being displayed on a map.
 7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (3/9)
Example: Use of Color
An example is when mapping qualitative data e.g. land use, and
the visual variable used is color, the idea is to ensure that there
is balance of color
 7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (4/9)
Example: Use of Size Symbol
On the other hand mapping of quantitative data e.g.
population, different sizes of point symbols can be used
to distinguish areas with high and low population.
7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (5/9)
Examples of Outputs: Terrain
Mapping
Contours Layer Tints
Mapping of Elevation Data

Shaded Relief 3-D Visualization

7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (6/9)
Time Series Mapping

Single Static Map

Series of Static Maps

Animated Maps
7.7.visualization
The Application of the Visualization
in 3-D
Concept (7/9)
Quantitative data
 7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (8/9)
Map Cosmetics
Information that should always accompany a map include:-
Title which informs the user the topic being visualized
Legend which depicts how the topic is being visualized
Additional marginal information include:-
scale
north arrow
map projection
when map was created
data used and age
tools used to create the map
who created the map
This information is useful for the user for gauging the quality of the map. Within
this context, for paper maps this information has to appear on the map face
whereas within a digital environment is a mouse click away since they are
designed to be interactive.
In map design, visual hierarchy or map ground separation is important for not
only coming up with appealing maps but also maps of integrity in terms of
communicating spatial information.
7.7. The Application of the
Visualization Concept (6/9)
Map anatomy
7.8. Spatial Information Output
Media (1/3)
Although the traditional output media was hardcopy paper maps, and it is still being used
even today, more map products are being generated in digital format also.
The advantage of on screen maps is that they can be used for pre-view, internal presentation
or for the World Wide Web.
The size of on-screen maps compared to hardcopy ones is that they have to be smaller in size
hence the content has to be selected carefully
The fact that information is in digital form offers a lot of advantages in the sense that it can be
displayed on demand. It is also possible to link to other data sets, i.e. tabular, multimedia
(sound, video and animations).
Web maps can either be static or dynamic. Static maps are mainly used for view only, to
advertise for products, e.g. tourist attraction sites, for historical documentation, The static
maps in addition to view only, may have other functionalities e.g. zooming, panning, hyper
linking, etc.
Dynamic maps on the other hand are about change and involve change in one or more of the
spatial data layers. Different types of animations can be used for dynamic maps, e.g. animated
GIF, and also virtual reality modeling for presenting 3-D models.
7.8. Spatial Information Output
Media (2/3)
Web mapping

Iinteroperable web mapping is about sharing data across organizations, platforms and
formats in order to create new solutions to old problems.
It's an infrastructure which cuts through the complexity of on-line data, allowing precision
queries and user-tailored solutions.
It's about leveraging the value of your data assets and extending your user base by
attracting clients to a pool of shared data.
It's about getting a more holistic view of sectors -from roads to health, from emergencies
to environment.
Web mapping creates maps and other geo-information on the web. And does it in such
detail, that organisation of services, decision support, coping with emergencies, and a
whole array of other activities, are made faster and more efficient.
Web mapping is backed by a globally agreed set of open standards that will see the rapid
rise of a whole new industry. The geographic data industry. Standards will enable products
to be interoperable, massively increasing participation, and hence business.
Web mapping then dynamically integrates multiple distributed on-line data sources into
one or several map images that visually communicate regional, national or international
interactions over the web.
7.8. Spatial Information Output
Media (3/3)
Features
A strict separation of data, logic and display, allowing for re-useable and interchangeable
components
Distributed, information sources. Connect to networked data and services anywhere - you no
longer need to store it all in-house.
The use of globally agreed Open Standard Interfaces between the components enables
vendor- and platform independence.
Integration of diverse information types: maps, documents, contact directories, metadata,
multimedia etc.
Social Change's web mapping Services solution architecture empowers you to value add your
own (geographic) data with related online information. You can:
Search for online sources such as weather maps, traffic data, background maps or satellite
images.
Fuse these with your local (e.g. spreadsheet) data and display on you desktop, web site
display.
Scan your documents, emails or directories for geographic references and link them to a
map.
Make any data collection geographically searchable using global metadata standards. Find all
documents referring to a specific region.
 7.9. Summary
In this lecture, we have explored the topic on
spatial visualization by focusing on
fundamentals of visualization. The process of
visualization and the application using
examples has been discussed.
 7.10. Activity
Using ARCGIS or ARCVIEW explore the
different ways of outputting maps and the
ease of use of the cartographic visual
variables.
Investigate web mapping concepts and the
current status.
 7.11. Further Reading
Hansen G.W. and Hansen J.V.,
1996: Database Management and
Design, 2nd Edition.
Longley P.A., Goodchild M.F.,
Maguire D.J., Rhind D.W., 2005:
Geographic Information Systems and
Science, 2nd Edition.