Search

In human computer interaction, proxemics describes the ways that people use space to interact with other people or objects. We focus on proxemic maps, which are virtual maps in immersive environments that react to proxemic interaction. Proxemic maps take advantage of new opportunities brought about by immersive visualization, where virtual maps can be freely positioned in virtual or physical space and adapt themselves relative to the spatial position of the viewer. We discuss proxemic interactions that alter the content and type of maps, including changing scale, symbolization, type of visualization and geometry. We propose a novel transformation that changes the geometry of maps based on their proximity to users. Users move the map back and forth and the map transitions between ring, horizontal, vertical and cylindrical geometries. The ring geometry surrounds the user and aligns features on the map with features in the real world. We implemented the map transformation in virtual reality and conducted a user study to evaluate it. The results of the user study indicate that participants preferred the ring and horizontal geometries. The ring geometry is useful because it simplifies connecting virtual features on the map with real features in the landscape, while the horizontal geometry provides an overall view of the landscape. We further found that combination of different geometries helped the study participants to overcome the limitations of each geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptive composite map projection technique changes the projection to minimize distortion for the geographic area shown on a map. This article improves the transition between the Lambert azimuthal projection and the transverse equal-area cylindrical projection that are used by adaptive composite projections for portrait-format maps. Originally, a transverse Albers conic projection was suggested for transforming between these two projections, resulting in graticules that are not symmetric relative to the central meridian. We propose the alternative transverse Wagner transformation between the two projections and provide equations and parameters for the transition. The suggested technique results in a graticule that is symmetric relative to the central meridian, and a map transformation that is visually continuous with changing map scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computer-assisted framework is proposed to support the manual construction of cartograms. The framework employs a joint triangulation, similar to that used in rubber-sheeting, to define a piecewise affine transformation between map space and cartogram space. This guarantees preservation of all topological relations within and among transformed datasets with insertion of a finite number of points. To support intuitive user control of cartogram appearance, methods are developed to translate generically defined user adjustments of the cartogram into mesh vertex positions on either the source map mesh or cartogram mesh. The framework is implemented in a working prototype application and used to create sample cartograms of the USA and China. Results are compared with cartograms produced using diffusion and carto3f algorithms in terms of accuracy, aesthetic appearance, and approximate construction time. Qualitative aspects of the manual construction process are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]