Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization

Maps are one of the most conventional types of visualization used when conveying information to both inexperienced users and advanced analysts. However, the multivariate representation of data on maps is still considered an unsolved problem. We present a multivariate map that uses geo-space to guide...

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Main Authors: Liam McNabb, Robert S. Laramee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-09-01
Series:Information
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/10/10/302
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spelling doaj-7ecf1de079224a8d9579ce28f1bf8f3e2020-11-25T02:03:11ZengMDPI AGInformation2078-24892019-09-01101030210.3390/info10100302info10100302Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial VisualizationLiam McNabb0Robert S. Laramee1Visual and Interactive Computing Group, Department of Computer Science, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UKVisual and Interactive Computing Group, Department of Computer Science, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UKMaps are one of the most conventional types of visualization used when conveying information to both inexperienced users and advanced analysts. However, the multivariate representation of data on maps is still considered an unsolved problem. We present a multivariate map that uses geo-space to guide the position of multivariate glyphs and enable users to interact with the map and glyphs, conveying meaningful data at different levels of detail. We develop an algorithm pipeline for this process and demonstrate how the user can adjust the level-of-detail of the resulting imagery. The algorithm features a unique combination of guided glyph placement, level-of-detail, dynamic zooming, and smooth transitions. We present a selection of user options to facilitate the exploration process and provide case studies to support how the application can be used. We also compare our placement algorithm with previous geo-spatial glyph placement algorithms. The result is a novel glyph placement solution to support multi-variate maps.https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/10/10/302information visualizationmultivariate mapsglyphslevel-of-detail
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Liam McNabb
Robert S. Laramee
spellingShingle Liam McNabb
Robert S. Laramee
Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization
Information
information visualization
multivariate maps
glyphs
level-of-detail
author_facet Liam McNabb
Robert S. Laramee
author_sort Liam McNabb
title Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization
title_short Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization
title_full Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization
title_fullStr Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization
title_full_unstemmed Multivariate Maps—A Glyph-Placement Algorithm to Support Multivariate Geospatial Visualization
title_sort multivariate maps—a glyph-placement algorithm to support multivariate geospatial visualization
publisher MDPI AG
series Information
issn 2078-2489
publishDate 2019-09-01
description Maps are one of the most conventional types of visualization used when conveying information to both inexperienced users and advanced analysts. However, the multivariate representation of data on maps is still considered an unsolved problem. We present a multivariate map that uses geo-space to guide the position of multivariate glyphs and enable users to interact with the map and glyphs, conveying meaningful data at different levels of detail. We develop an algorithm pipeline for this process and demonstrate how the user can adjust the level-of-detail of the resulting imagery. The algorithm features a unique combination of guided glyph placement, level-of-detail, dynamic zooming, and smooth transitions. We present a selection of user options to facilitate the exploration process and provide case studies to support how the application can be used. We also compare our placement algorithm with previous geo-spatial glyph placement algorithms. The result is a novel glyph placement solution to support multi-variate maps.
topic information visualization
multivariate maps
glyphs
level-of-detail
url https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/10/10/302
work_keys_str_mv AT liammcnabb multivariatemapsaglyphplacementalgorithmtosupportmultivariategeospatialvisualization
AT robertslaramee multivariatemapsaglyphplacementalgorithmtosupportmultivariategeospatialvisualization
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