Geographies

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5 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications

by Vassilios Krassanakis, Andriani Skopeliti, Merve Keskin and Paweł Cybulski

Geographies 2023, 3(4), 801-805; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3040043 - 14 Dec 2023

Viewed by 3524

Abstract

Geovisualization (or Geographic Visualization) represents an interdisciplinary scientific field spanning cartography, geographic information science (GIScience) and technology, computer science and human–computer interaction (HCI), psychology, and cognitive science [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

Research

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18 pages, 19839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geovisualization of Historical Geospatial Data: A Web Mapping Application for the 19th-Century Kaupert’s Maps of Attica

by Georgios Lampropoulos, George Panagiotopoulos, Christina Giannakoula and Alexandros Kokkalas

Geographies 2023, 3(2), 398-415; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3020021 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2992

Abstract

This paper presents the development procedure and significance of a web mapping application designed for disseminating, exploring, and analyzing Kaupert’s 19th-century Maps of Attica, Greece. The application facilitates historical and geographical study by providing access to high-resolution map images and overlaying multiple vector [...] Read more.

This paper presents the development procedure and significance of a web mapping application designed for disseminating, exploring, and analyzing Kaupert’s 19th-century Maps of Attica, Greece. The application facilitates historical and geographical study by providing access to high-resolution map images and overlaying multiple vector layers of geospatial data. The paper outlines the methods used to create the application, which includes the process of interpreting, digitizing, and organizing the original mapped data, georeferencing the historical cartographic sheets, and developing the web-based mapping application. The results of this work include a comprehensive and interactive digital reference tool for studying the ancient topography of Attica, as well as a framework for future research. Overall, this work highlights the potential of digital technologies to transform the way we approach and study historical maps and other cultural artifacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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23 pages, 3857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Constraint-Based Generalization Model Incorporating a Quality Control Mechanism

by Natalia Blana, Ioannis Kavadas and Lysandros Tsoulos

Geographies 2023, 3(2), 321-343; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies3020017 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Automation in map production has created the need for modeling the map composition process. Generalization is the most critical process in map composition, with considerable impact on the quality of features portrayed on the maps. Modeling of the generalization process has been an [...] Read more.

Automation in map production has created the need for modeling the map composition process. Generalization is the most critical process in map composition, with considerable impact on the quality of features portrayed on the maps. Modeling of the generalization process has been an area of research for several years in the international cartographic community. Constraint-based generalization modeling prevailed, and it is evolving to an agent model or to other optimization models. The generalization model presented in this paper is based on constraint-based modeling. It introduces the standardization of the semantic and cartographic generalization process together with an evaluation mechanism for the assessment of the quality of the resulting cartographic data considering simultaneously the preservation of the shape of the portrayed linear and area features. For cartographers, quality management is a key factor in creating an evidence-based, reliable product. To achieve this objective, cartographers, drawing on international experience, should implement a quality policy and adopt a quality management system (QMS) as an integral part of the map production process, starting with the quality assessment of the input data and finishing with the evaluation of the final product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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18 pages, 1381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studying the Utilization of a Map-Based Visualization with Vitality Datasets by Domain Experts

by Kenji Wada, Günter Wallner and Steven Vos

Geographies 2022, 2(3), 379-396; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2030024 - 30 Jun 2022

Viewed by 5806

Abstract

With the rapid growth of information technology and geographic information science, many map-based visualization applications for decision-making have been proposed. These applications are used in various contexts. Our study provides empirical evidence of how domain experts utilize map-based data visualization for generating insights [...] Read more.

With the rapid growth of information technology and geographic information science, many map-based visualization applications for decision-making have been proposed. These applications are used in various contexts. Our study provides empirical evidence of how domain experts utilize map-based data visualization for generating insights into vitality with respect to health-related concepts. We conducted a study to understand domain experts’ knowledge, approach, and experience. Nine domain experts participated in the study, with three experts each from the fields of government, business, and research. The study followed a mixed-methods approach involving an online survey, open-ended tasks, and semi-structured interviews. For this purpose, a map-based data visualization application containing various vitality-related datasets was developed for the open-ended tasks. Our study confirms the importance of maps in this domain but also shows that vitality is strongly geographical. Furthermore, we found that map-based visualizations require multiple data sources and dimensions to enhance the utilization of them in the context of vitality. Therefore, our study suggests the necessity of a combination of multiple datasets as ‘vitality themes’ to efficiently communicate this particular subject to experts. As such, our results provide guidelines for designing map-based data visualizations that support the decision-making process across various domain experts in the field of vitality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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18 pages, 5103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geovisualization of Hydrological Flow in Hexagonal Grid Systems

by Mingke Li, Heather McGrath and Emmanuel Stefanakis

Geographies 2022, 2(2), 227-244; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2020016 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3655

Abstract

Recent research has extended conventional hydrological algorithms into a hexagonal grid and noted that hydrological modeling on a hexagonal mesh grid outperformed that on a rectangular grid. Among the hydrological products, flow routing grids are the base of many other hydrological simulations, such [...] Read more.

Recent research has extended conventional hydrological algorithms into a hexagonal grid and noted that hydrological modeling on a hexagonal mesh grid outperformed that on a rectangular grid. Among the hydrological products, flow routing grids are the base of many other hydrological simulations, such as flow accumulation, watershed delineation, and stream networks. However, most of the previous research adopted the D6 algorithm, which is analogous to the D8 algorithm over a rectangular grid, to produce flow routing. This paper explored another four methods regarding generating flow directions in a hexagonal grid, based on four algorithms of slope aspect computation. We also developed and visualized hexagonal-grid-based hydrological operations, including flow accumulation, watershed delineation, and hydrological indices computation. Experiments were carried out across multiple grid resolutions with various terrain roughness. The results showed that flow direction can vary among different approaches, and the impact of such variation can propagate to flow accumulation, watershed delineation, and hydrological indices production, which was reflected by the cell-wise comparison and visualization. This research is practical for hydrological analysis in hexagonal, hierarchical grids, such as Discrete Global Grid Systems, and the developed operations can be used in flood modeling in the real world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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21 pages, 5141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Modelling and Geovisualization of House Prices in the Greater Athens Region, Greece

by Polixeni Iliopoulou and Elissavet Feloni

Geographies 2022, 2(1), 111-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2010008 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3060

Abstract

In this article, geovisualization is used for the presentation and interpretation of spatial analysis results concerning several house attributes. For that purpose, point data for houses in the region of Attica, Greece are analyzed. The data concern houses for sale and comprise structural [...] Read more.

In this article, geovisualization is used for the presentation and interpretation of spatial analysis results concerning several house attributes. For that purpose, point data for houses in the region of Attica, Greece are analyzed. The data concern houses for sale and comprise structural characteristics, such as size, age and floor, as well as locational attributes. Geovisualization of house characteristics is performed employing spatial interpolation techniques, kriging techniques, in particular. Spatial autocorrelation in the data is examined through the calculation of the Moran’s I coefficient, while spatial clusters of houses with similar characteristics are identified using the Getis-Ord Gi* local spatial autocorrelation coefficient. Finally, a model is developed in order to predict house prices according to several structural and locational characteristics. In that respect, a classic hedonic pricing model is constructed, which is consequently developed as a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model in a GIS environment. The results of this model indicate that two characteristics, i.e., size and age, account for most of the variability in house prices in the study region. Since GWR is a local model producing different regression parameters for each observation, it is possible to obtain the spatial distribution of the regression parameters, which indicate the significance of the house characteristics for price determination in different locations in the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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24 pages, 7999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cartography and Art: A Comparative Study Based on Color

by Leda Stamou

Geographies 2022, 2(1), 87-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2010007 - 15 Feb 2022

Viewed by 4493

Abstract

Color occupies a prominent place in the bibliography of cartography, as it is an important element in the formation of cartographic symbolization. Apart from the technical issues of its application to maps, color theory is one of the elements that connect maps with [...] Read more.

Color occupies a prominent place in the bibliography of cartography, as it is an important element in the formation of cartographic symbolization. Apart from the technical issues of its application to maps, color theory is one of the elements that connect maps with art. In this paper various cartographic trends and their origins are examined and correlated with the artistic periods in which they were developed in order to investigate and document the extent to which maps follow the artistic movements and, particularly in the art of painting, concerning the form and the content of the maps and whether color can be used as an identification element of the art trend and the corresponding period. The research spans from the end of the Middle Ages to the 21st century and is referred spatially in Western Europe, including Italy. The comparison of colors is made in both descriptive and quantitative terms through the commentary of hue, brightness, and saturation, as well as through plotting them in the color wheel, a process that allows an overview of the range and location of color sequences. Concluding, the paintings and maps that were selected and examined in detail support the effect of painting on maps, without implying that it is intentional. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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13 pages, 12456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automatic Unfolding of CityGML Buildings to Paper Models

by Steffen Goebbels and Regina Pohle-Fröhlich

Geographies 2021, 1(3), 333-345; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies1030018 - 1 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3672

Abstract

3D city models are mainly viewed on computer screens, but many municipalities also use 3D printing to make urban planning tangible. Since 3D color printing is still comparatively expensive and the colors often fade over time, many of these models are monochrome. Here, [...] Read more.

3D city models are mainly viewed on computer screens, but many municipalities also use 3D printing to make urban planning tangible. Since 3D color printing is still comparatively expensive and the colors often fade over time, many of these models are monochrome. Here, color textured paper models offer an inexpensive and under-appreciated alternative. In this paper, a greedy algorithm adapted to CityGML building models is presented, which creates print templates for such paper models. These 2D layouts consist of cut edges and fold edges that bound polygons of a building. The polygons can be textured or left blank depending on the existence of CityGML textures. Glue tabs are attached to cut edges. In addition to the haptic 3D visualization, the quality of the 3D models can sometimes be better assessed on the basis of the print templates than from a perspective projection. The unfolding procedure was applied to parts of the freely available CityGML model of Berlin as well as to parts of models of the cities of Dortmund and Krefeld. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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Other

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13 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Mapping Construction Costs at the National Level

by Su Zhang, Christopher D. Lippitt, Susan M. Bogus, Tammira D. Taylor and Renee Haley

Geographies 2022, 2(1), 132-144; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2010009 - 1 Mar 2022

Viewed by 4068

Abstract

The construction industry relies on construction cost indexes to prepare cost estimate benchmarks and develop cost estimates. Subsequently, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies routinely publish construction cost indexes for cities. Currently, all construction cost indexes are released in a tabular format [...] Read more.

The construction industry relies on construction cost indexes to prepare cost estimate benchmarks and develop cost estimates. Subsequently, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies routinely publish construction cost indexes for cities. Currently, all construction cost indexes are released in a tabular format for 649 cities across the conterminous United States, which is not effective in illustrating construction cost variations at the national level. This study explored the utility of various established interpolation methods and mapping techniques to visualize construction cost indexes at the national level. Geovisualization techniques such as thematic mapping provide a visual representation of construction cost data in addition to traditional tabular formats. This study explored the utility of Thiessen polygon and inverse distance weighted (IDW) methods to create thematic maps which can be used to interactively visualize construction costs at the national level. A qualitative comparison revealed that the IDW method can produce the most intuitive, interactive, and continuous surface maps to identify dynamic and previously unrecognized patterns. These continuous surface maps allow construction practitioners and academics, real estate developers, and the public to locate the geographic proximity of high or low construction costs while cost change maps allow investors and businesses to identify patterns in changing construction costs over a certain period. This work contributes to the body of knowledge by introducing interpolated maps for visualizing any construction cost-related indexes at a large scale such as the national level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geovisualization: Current Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

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