Geobrowsing: Creative Thinking and Knowledge Discovery Using Geographic Visualization

Abstract

In the modern computing context, the map is no longer just a final product. Maps are now being used in a fundamentally different way -as a self-directed tool for deriving the desired information from geographic data. This, along with developments in GIScience and computer graphics, have led to the new field of geographic visualization. A central issue is how to design visualization capabilities that, as a process, facilitate creative thinking for discovering previously new information from large databases. The authors propose the term 'geobrowsing' to designate this process. A number of interrelated ways that visualization can be used to spark the imagination in order to derive new insights are discussed and a brief example provided. Based upon the cognitive literature, specific properties of a visual image that promote discovery and insight are discussed. These are known as preinventive properties, and include; novelty, incongruence, abstraction, and ambiguity. All of these properties, either individually or in combination, tend to produce features that are unanticipated by the viewer, and often not explicitly created or anticipated by the person generating the visual display. While traditional (i.e. non-computer generated) images can also possess these properties, as shown in the historical examples in this discussion, it is the capability of the viewer to directly and quickly manipulate these properties that provides the real power of 'geobrowsing' for uncovering new insights.

The Uses of Geomedia: An Object-Centered and Situated Approach

“…But the outcome of these reflections on technology does not always have to be a false promise. It can also lead to the emergence of new knowledge, just like the practice of geobrowsing translates into new spatial insights and discoveries (PEUQUET & KRAAK 2002).…”

“…To stick to the example, the available joysticks in geobrowsers can be described with the notion of the virtual camera which makes it possible to navigate through the geographic content in novel ways, a practice that can be called geobrowsing (PEUQUET & KRAAK 2002). Understood as a way of using visual geomedia, this neologism reveals itself as an ambiguous practice.…”

An Integrated Exploratory Geovisualization Environment Based on Self‐Organizing Map

“…The interface offers interactive filters for changing the relative positions of elements of the display, changing by rotation the perspective from which it is seen, and displaying detailed information to have access to actual data values on a specific data item of interest. Such transformations of views can interactively modify and augment visual structures, and support the likelihood of emergence (Peuquet and Kraak, 2002). We use different interaction techniques to enhance data exploration, including brushing and linking, panning, zooming, and rotation.…”

Using a cartographic model to assist medical diagnoses

“…The maps can be used and understood by a 4 year old children [13], with no need of previous training or experience. The use of cartographic metaphors can be of huge benefit in terms of information [4] understanding and human cognition and should be used by our model as far as possible [10].…”