bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Spinach molecular beacon triggered by strand displacement
Authors: Bhadra Sanchita , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: June 2014

We have re-engineered the fluorescent RNA aptamer Spinach to be activated in a sequence-dependent manner. The original Spinach aptamer was extended at its 5′- and 3′-ends to create Spinach.ST, which is predicted to fold into an inactive conformation and thus prevent association with the small molecule fluorophore DFHBI. Hybridization of a specific trigger oligonucleotide to a designed toehold leads to toehold-initiated strand displacement and refolds Spinach into the active, fluorophore-binding conformation. Spinach.ST not only specifically detects its target oligonucleotide but can discriminate readily against single-nucleotide mismatches. RNA amplicons produced during nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) of DNA or RNA targets could be specifically detected and reported in real-time by conformational activation of Spinach.ST generated by in vitro transcription. In order to adapt any target sequence to detection by a Spinach reporter we used a primer design technique that brings together otherwise distal toehold sequences via hairpin formation. The same techniques could potentially be used to adapt common Spinach reporters to non-nucleic acid analytes, rather than by making fusions between aptamers and Spinach.
The need for additional training for nutritional management of diabetes
Authors: Carney Trish , Stein Susan E , Quinlan Jennifer J
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses’ and nursing students’ knowledge and perceived role in assisting patients with the nutritional management of diabetes. Three focus groups were conducted and the results were used to modify a previously developed survey regarding the nutritional management of diabetes. The survey was administered via an online survey tool and completed by 231 nurses and students. Over 70% of respondents agreed that nurses have an important role in reinforcing patient nutritional education. Results indicated, however, that knowledge gaps in the nutritional management of diabetes exist among nurses, including not knowing the carbohydrate content of 120 ml of orange juice, a common treatment for hypoglycaemia (47.5%), not knowing where to locate carbohydrate content on a food label (60%), and not identifying the correct treatment for hypoglycaemia (47.5%). These results indicate that there may be a need to improve the nutritional education of nurses with respect to diabetes management.
Increased Immunoreactivity of Cathepsins in the Rat Esophagus under Chronic Acid Reflux Esophagitis
Authors: Suyama Masayuki , Koike Masato , Asaoka Daisuke , Mori Hiroki , Oguro Masako , Ueno Takashi , Nagahara Akihito , Watanabe Sumio , Uchiyama Yasuo
Published: June 2014

We have designed a stable rat chronic acid reflux esophagitis (RE) model. In gastrointestinal lesions, several lysosomal cathepsins are known to participate in epithelial permeability in cell-cell connections, such as tight junctions in ulcerative colitis. However, very few studies have focused on the distribution of cathepsins in the esophageal multilayer squamous epithelium. Therefore to clarify the role of cathepsins in RE, we investigated their immunohistological localization in the esophageal epithelium under normal conditions and after RE. Of the cathepsins examined (cathepsins B, C, D, F, H, L, S, and X), granular immunoreactivity for cathepsins B, C, D and L was observed in the control esophageal epithelia; although, their distribution differed depending on the enzyme examined. In the RE model, immunoreactivity of these cathepsins was increased in esophageal epithelial cells and activated macrophages. The immunoreactivity for cathepsins F, H, S and X was barely detectable in the control esophageal epithelium. However, in the RE model, we noticed a slight increase in the expression of cathepsins H and X in the epithelial cells. Furthermore, activated macrophages of the RE model possessed intense immunoreactivity for these cathepsins, which may have been related to esophageal inflammatory mechanisms.
The Librarian's Dilemma: A Map Librarian's Access to Machine-Readable Information
Authors: McGlamery Patrick
Published: June 2014

The paper addresses how a map librarian gains entree to the fast track world of computer cartography. The history of machine-readable information in libraries has been rocky. As information resides more frequently on tape or disk, libraries will need to embrace the technology. By obtaining seed money from a Federal Library Services and Construction Act grant, the Map Library at the University of Connecticut, procured hardware, software and boundary files. With the aid of a research assistant, the librarian wrote a SAS program, PTOLEMY, which allows users to map their data. PTOLEMY is a menued environment running on the mainframe. Users may access the mapping system from remote sites.
Color Chart Use In Map Design
Authors: Brewer Cynthia A.
Published: June 2014

Ten process-printed color charts based on the perceptually ordered Munsell system were previously developed. Sixteen cartographers with experience in color map design were mailed copies of the chart and were subsequently interviewed by telephone. The objectives of the interviews were to gather background information on the cartographers' general use of color charts and to examine the perceived usefulness of the Munsell-based charts as aids for map color selection. Approximately half of the interviewees were not satisfied with the color charts they were currently using. Over half of the cartographers had difficulties with differences between printed map and chart colors. As a summary of the interviews, eleven recommendations are made for the design of yellow-magenta-cyan charts of the conventional lithographers' format. Twelve of the cartographers judged the Munsell-based charts as potentially useful aids for map color selection, especially for the design of thematic color progressions. Likewise, the cartographers' solutions to di ffic ulties with the layouts of their conventional charts indicated that a different chart organization, possibly perceptual, would be useful to cartographic designers. Overall, the interviews revealed a surprising diversity of opinions about and requirements of color charts that are used in map design.
Ethical Problems in Cartography: A Roundtable Commentary
Authors: McHaffie Patrick , Andrews Sona Karentz , Dobson Michael , Anonymous Anonymous
Published: June 2014

The problem of defining and actualizing standards of ethical conduct troubles many professions, including cartography. In an attempt to formalize the ethical discourse in cartography the editors of Cartographic Perspectives invited five contributors to discuss what they perceive as important ethical problems in the discipline. The contributors were selected from the three major sectors of the cartographic enterprise: commercial mapping organizations, government mapping agencies, and university geography departments offering cartography programs. The contributors identify personal and institutional vigilance in product quality assurance, map plagiarism through violation of copyright law, and conflicts of interest as important ethical issues. The commentary concludes by questioning the nature and validity of cartography's claim to truth ("accuracy"), and asserts that cartographic ethics cannot be extricated from the values of the larger society which commissions the production of cartographic information.
A Cartographic Quincentenary
Authors: Robinson Arthur H.
Published: June 2014

On October 15, 1992 NACIS members were honored to have Emeritus Professor Arthur Robinson deliver the banquet address at the Twelfth Annual NACIS meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota. Professor Robinson enlightened and entertained us with the following presentation on Martin Behaim, the making of the Behaim Globe (in 1492), and an interpretation of the geographic relationships depicted on that globe.
How Practical Are Minimum-Error Map Projections?
Authors: Snyder John P.
Published: June 2014

Ever since the Mercator projection gained wide acceptance for general geographic world maps, there have been attempts to replace it because of its serious area dis tortion. Most minimum-error projections, however, are difficult or nearly impossible to construct without a modern computer. Does this negate their use? The answer is probably yes if most users need to digitize maps or do their own programming of formulas, but no if the goal is to make the map easier for measurement of distance, area, and shape. We too often s till choose projections to suit pre-computer criteria involving ease of cons truction, rather than to meet the needs of the map user. This paper reviews the practicality of minimum-error map proj ections and illustrates a wide range of minimum-error projections.
Thematic Mapping With Illustration Software: Unraveling The Mystery Of Graphic File Formats
Authors: Morber Brian , Mersey Janet E.
Published: June 2014

This paper focuses on using a popular microcomputer graphic design package (CorelDRAW 4.0) in conjunction with a variety of GIS/mapping software to test their capacity to transfer map images. Emphasis is placed on the advantages and disadvantages of transferring different bitmap and vector formats, rather than on the nature of the formats themselves. All of the cartographic packages tested had some capacity to export thematic maps to CorelDRAW, although some file formats provided greater flexibility than others. Generally, it appears that simpler thematic maps transfer easily, while more complex types require considerably more effort to transfer successfully. Both Windows Metafiles and Computer Graphics Metafiles proved to be efficient file formats for exporting most types of map images to CorelDRAW.
The Armchair Traveler Plugs In: Multimedia Cartography as a Visual Supplement to Travel Writing
Authors: Des Roches Shannon
Published: June 2014

Travel writings, such as Stuart Stevens's West African adventure, Malaria Dreams, provide readers with interesting and entertaining stories. However, because they seldom give adequate treatment to the geographic, historic, cultural, and political issues, they leave the reader with an incomplete impression of the landscape. The accounts of these journeys can benefit from an interactive "visual supplement" that contains animations, maps, photos, drawings, graphs, and sounds. A visual supplement can complement the text and augment a reader's overall experience. This paper presents some issues pertinent to creating effective visual supplements and includes examples from a prototype for Malaria Dreams.
Visualizing Digital Atlas Information Products and the User Perspective
Authors: Keller C. Peter
Published: June 2014

The digital revolution and associated advances in multimedia and electronic information transfer have opened hitherto unthinkable opportunities for atlas design and distribution. As a result, the status quo of the conventional atlas is being challenged by a research community eager to move towards sophisticated digital atlas products. The assumption made by the digital atlas research agenda is that atlas users share the researchers' enthusiasm for digital atlas products. It is argued that contemporary advances in digital atlas design are driven by computing innovations; that is, researchers are embracing faddish technologies to advance imaginative new atlas products with little attention given to the atlas user community's wants and needs. It is proposed that the design of innovative digital atlas products be paralleled and influenced by atlas consumer research. Atlas user surveys are called for to evaluate the market's reaction to conventional atlas products and to test the atlas users' willingness to use and pay for innovative digital atlas products.
An Electronic Atlas Authoring System
Authors: Smith Richard M. , Parker Thomas
Published: June 2014

This paper describes an electronic atlas authoring system that is being developed at the University of Arkansas. The system is a set of computer programs that aids in the construction of electronic atlases. The paper begins by examining the types of organizations that might be interested in using this system. It then offers a general description of the authoring system, including a discussion of the specific components which make up the system. The final section of the paper outlines how the system might be distributed.
Cartography Resources on the World Wide Web
Authors: Crampton Jeremy
Published: June 2014

This paper provides an overview of recent developments on the World Wide Web from a cartographer's perspective. The first section briefly describes how the Web came to be and discusses the conceptual models that control the Web's functionality. The second section of the paper is an overview of a variety of cartographic Web resources (ranging from federal to commercial to educational) that are available on the Web. These sites offer tremendous resources for use in the classroom, research, and even leisure activities. The paper concludes with examples of two Internet projects that make extensive use of cartographic materials: the Geograpliy Virh1al Department (out of the University of Texas Austin) and the Bosnian Virtual Fieldtrip (out of George Mason University).
Edge Pixels: the Effect of Scanning Resolution on Color Reproduction
Authors: Ray P. Andrew
Published: June 2014

As a result of the digital revolution, many journal articles have been written on the technical aspects of digitization. One of the most documented facts is that increased scanning resolution means greater legibility of the text and fine details of the digital file. However, little has been written about the fact that increasing the resolution also results in better color reproduction, and it is this issue that this paper will address. While the differences in color reproduction between high resolution scans and lower resolution scans are subtle, they can be quantified and illustrated graphically using the histogram feature of Adobe Photoshop (an image processing software package). This article begins by reviewing the principles of scanning after which several color images, both color and black and white, scanned at increasing resolutions, will be presented to support the author's thesis.
Regional Recognition and Delimitation from Topographic Maps: User Strategies
Authors: Board Christopher
Published: June 2014

This is a report from a pilot study conducted with nine geographers to delimit regions on a map they were not familiar with. The participants varied greatly in age and experience. Making notes as the users talked through their thinking provided insight into how such complex maps are read. Experienced geographers with larger geographical vocabularies sought to distinguish salient patterns. No simple relationship could be established between experience and region-dividing strategies. Suggestions are made for expanding such studies.
Map Use Steps and Their Data Quality Requirements
Authors: Ormeling Ferjan
Published: June 2014

We want to better understand geo-information production lines so that we can represent data quality concerns on our maps. And, we must be concerned that not only do we get the right data to the user but that the user gets the data right. We need research to find optimal geo-information production lines, to assess data quality, to link quality to intended uses, and to visualize the results in effective ways. This may involve using fuzzy and crisp symbols, or employing possibility and probability values.
Map Use - Perspectives in Geographic Undergraduate Education
Authors: Thompson Derek
Published: June 2014

The author introduces junior-level students with no background to various tasks involving maps, computer mapping and GIS as part of a project called Urban World. A concern is how to evaluate the student's learning as well as the products the students produce, whether on paper or electronically. Three challenges are posed to the cartographic community. What can we offer in terms of map reading strategies? Do we have guidelines for good cartographic practice and helpful hints about map design? What research has there been on the complexities of the individualistic analysis and decision-making that are major elements of the spatial reasoning process?
User Interface Studies in the Virtual Map Environment
Authors: Torguson Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2014

With the acceleration of interactive virtual map use and the proliferation of such mapmaking software, we need to learn much more about how interactive electronic media and animated map environments influence the communication of cartographic information. When assessing the communicative value of maps in any given environment where animation and other virtual maps are used, I argue that the interface itself becomes a significant factor in the use of the map, or map sequences. We need a revitalized and expanded role for a user-oriented or a userinterface form of research, not too dissimilar to the shifts in research emphasis undertaken by cartographers with the first wave of automation.
Beyond Graduated Circles: Varied Point Symbols for Representing Quantitative Data on Maps
Authors: Brewer Cynthia , Campbell Andrew J.
Published: June 2014

Graduated point symbols are viewed as an appropriate choice for many thematic maps of data associated with point locations. Areal quantitative data, reported by such enumeration units as countries, are frequently presented with choropleth maps but are also well suited to point symbol representations. Our objective is to provide an ordered set of examples of the many point-symbol forms used on maps by showing symbols with linear, areal, and volumetric scaling on repeated small maps of the same data set. Bivariate point symbols are also demonstrated with emphasis on the distinction between symbols appropriate for comparison (separate symbols) and those appropriate for proportional relationships (segmented symbols). In this paper, the variety of point symbol use is described, organized, and encourage, as is research on these varied symbols and their multivariate forms.
Using Flow Maps to Visualize Time-Series Data: Comparing the Effectiveness of a Paper Map Series, a Computer Map Series, and Animation
Authors: Johnson Harry , Nelson Elisabeth S.
Published: June 2014

Motion and change through time are important aspects of thematic maps. Traditionally, such data have been visualized using a series of paper maps that represent multiple snapshots of a location over time. These maps are visually compared by the map reader when analyzing change over time for a location. This static view of change over time has worked well for cartographers in the past, but today computer animation allows cartographers to emphasize the dynamic nature of this data. By animating a map, change over time can be represented on one map rather than in a traditional map series. This study compared a paper map series, a computer map series, and animated maps of the same data to assess the effectiveness of each technique for memorizing data symbolized by graduated flow lines. Subjects were asked to study the maps and to memorize two types of information: quantity data at specified locations on the maps and trend patterns that occurred over the maps. Memorization of the information was subsequently tested using a series of multiple choice questions. Analysis of response times and accuracy rates for these questions suggest that animation does not improve learning ability for quantity evaluations. It does appear, however, to improve subjects' abilities to learn and remember trend patterns in the data. Results also indicate gender differences in using animated maps.
Content Analysis, Semiotics, and Social Semiotics for Cartographic Analysis: Interpreting Geospatial Representations
Authors: Gluck Myke
Published: June 2014

Several mutually informing methods for analyzing cartographic and geospatial images are presented and illustrated in this work. First, an apparently objective method, content analysis, is applied to a collection of corporate annual reports' geospatial imagery resulting in a categorization and description of those images. Then a traditional semiotic analysis is conducted on the same data done by experts who describe and express out of their personal expertise and intuitive insights the meaning of signs contained in the imagery. Subsequently, a user/viewer epistemological and ontological framework called sense-making is discussed and combined with semiotic processes enabling social semiotics. Sense-making permits map users to present their point of view providing a method to go beyond the experts' traditional semiotic interpretations. These user/viewer based interpretations incorporate postmodern meanings from the various users of signs exposed by the corporate annual reports' geospatial imagery.
Teaching and Learning Focus Group Skills: A Classroom Example Evaluating Map Design
Authors: Olson Judy , Broomes Lesha , Drzyzga Scott , Jiunn Der Duh Geoffrey , Dygert Lisa , Halden Jill , Lobben Amy , Philpots Alison , Sims Ian , Ware Jennifer
Published: June 2014

As a group learning experience in a graduate cartography course, a focus group study was performed of a recently-redesigned map of the Michigan State University campus. The learning process involved two parts. Part one was a 75-minute focus group discussion during regular class time with the instructor as the moderator, one student as the assistant and notetaker, and the other members of the class as the subjects. After instructions were given, everyone studied the map for a brief period and then discussed a set of issues focused on the design of the map. Discussion was orderly but lively and packed with relevant comments. Part two occurred at the next class session. Students discussed the experience, the results, the assigned readings on the method, and relevance of the method to other projects. A written report was then prepared for the producers of the map. Reactions to the learning experience were highly positive, and several participants have since used qualitative methods in other research. An actual study proved an effective means of learning the fundamentals of focus group research.
The Poet and the Map: (Di)versifying the Teaching of Geography
Authors: Haft Adele J.
Published: June 2014

This paper focuses upon four twentieth-century poets who write about maps. Spanning three generations and countries, they offer lessons on geography to children (John Fuller, May Swenson) and reminisce about their own geography classes (Don Gutteridge, Fiona Pitt-Kethley). Since their poems have much to teach regarding the meanings and uses of maps, this paper suggests that we introduce students to their verses and apply their ideas to (di)versify the way we teach about maps and geography.
The Nature of Creativity in Cartographic Design with Special Reference to the Barbara Petchenik Map Design Competition
Authors: Castner Henry W.
Published: June 2014

Every other year, the International Cartographic Association sponsors an international map design competition, for children 15 years old or younger, that coincides with its biennial congress. The competition promotes the creative representation of the world. The theme of the latest competition was “A World Map.” The breadth and ambiguity of this theme does not convey information about its conceptual basis or the grounds upon which entries might be judged. In promotional material, words like “creativity” often appear but it is unclear what is meant in this cartographic context. In comparing what cartographers and art educators say about creativity, it is clear that there are perceptual skills and a body of  principles of graphic design which cartographers can systematically apply to enhance creative map design particularly when specific problems are being addressed. This paper provides some background on these and other related questions and suggests ways that the Map Design Competition might provide more useful guidance for competitors and judges alike.
Mapping Ethnicity: Color Use in Depicting Ethnic Distribution
Authors: Johnson Jenny Marie
Published: June 2014

Maps are made for a specific purpose, or set of purposes. No individual cartographer or cartography-producing organization produces a map just for the sake of producing a map. People and organizations have agendas; maps tell stories. Map stories are told through symbols and colors. Colors have meaning. Perhaps color choice is intended to indicate an organization’s attitudes toward the phenomena being mapped. Color on maps of ethnic groups can be evaluated inter-textually by placing the maps into the context of their producers and the time of their production. The colors, and their meanings, that are used to represent particular groups will reflect the map producer’s attitudes toward the ethnic groups. If these attitudes are unknown, they could be hypothesized by evaluating color usage. Color choices may act as indicators of opinions otherwise unexpressed.
Thinking Philosophically in Cartography: Toward A Critical Politics of Mapping
Authors: Crampton Jeremy W.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the context in which mapping is practiced and thought about. I shall make several points. First, our present context is historical and arose from identifiable events that help shape the way mapping takes place today. But every context allows some possibilities and closes off others. Second, our current context is based on a Cartesian–scientific worldview which casts maps as communicators of spatial location. One consequence of this is that we do not take account of maps as helping us find our meaningful place in the world. Third, examining this context as a horizon of possibilities is itself a political project. Finally, some possible components of such a “politics of mapping” are sketched out that might let us understand our horizon of possibilities in order to expand it.
Frank H. Galbraith’s Railway Mail Service Maps, 1897
Authors: Mason Virginia W.
Published: June 2014

Frank H. Galbraith, a clerk with the Railway Mail Service, developed railway maps in the late 1800s to assist railway mail clerks in learning complex railway mail distribution networks for civil service examinations. Galbraith’s maps were based on the premise of associating a picture with words in order to create strong first impressions and retain spatial relationships in memory. These maps are highly pictorial in nature and represent the cultural and regional influences in the choice of pictorial images drawn. This paper discusses the political influences that were the impetus for developing Galbraith’s maps, the cultural and regional contexts inherent in the maps, and the effectiveness of the maps as mnemonic devices for their intended use.
Getting Real: Reflecting on the New Look of National Park Service Maps
Authors: Patterson Tom
Published: June 2014

To make more inviting and understandable maps for general audiences, the U.S. National Park Service has been experimenting with cartographically realistic map design. Using rasterized geodata and unconventional image processing techniques, cartographic realism draws inspiration from traditional cartographic art, modern graphic design, observations of nature, and aerial photograph maps. The aim is to combine the best characteristics of imagery and maps into a more intuitive hybrid product. Discussed techniques include aquafication, texture substitution, illuminated relief, and outside land muting.
The Atlas of Canada Web Mapping: The User Counts
Authors: Williams Donna , O'Brien Douglas , Kramers Eric
Published: June 2014

Imagine if…A student searches the Internet to get information for a project on Victoria for a grade nine geography class. He uses Google to search for “Victoria” and “geography”. First on the list of search results is The Atlas of Canada. He quickly selects this and arrives at the home page of the Atlas. He sees that he can search for a place and he does so for Victoria. He finds there are many places named Victoria in Canada and is able to find the one in British Columbia for which he is looking. He then sees that he can link from the location map to combine themes with the place. The thematic material includes all the types of information he is required to put into his project. Not only can he see the maps, which he decides to use as the basis for his project, but also the background data used to make the map. He notices an audio button that he clicks on to get a description of the map and a video button, which brings up an interesting video clip. He then finds that a full description is available that also provides links to other sites that may be of interest. Everything he needs is in this one great Web site. From now on, The Atlas of Canada is where he will start all his assignments.
Hal Shelton Revisited: Designing and Producing Natural-Color Maps with Satellite Land Cover Data
Authors: Patterson Tom , Kelso Nathaniel Vaughn
Published: June 2014

This paper examines natural-color maps by focusing on the painted map art of Hal Shelton, the person most closely associated with developing the genre during the mid twentieth century. Advocating greater use of natural-color maps by contemporary cartographers, we discuss the advantages of natural-color maps compared to physical maps made with hypsometric tints; why natural-color maps, although admired, have remained comparatively rare; and the inadequacies of using satellite images as substitutes for natural-color maps. Seeking digital solutions, the paper then introduces techniques for designing and producing natural-color maps that are economical and within the skill range of most cartographers. The techniques, which use Adobe Photoshop software and satellite land cover data, yield maps similar in appearance to those made by Shelton, but with improved digital accuracy. Full-color illustrations show examples of Shelton’s maps and those produced by digital techniques.
Cartographic Guidelines for Geographically Masking the Locations of Confidential Point Data
Authors: Leitner Michael , Curtis Andrew
Published: June 2014

This research proposes cartographic guidelines for presenting confidential point data on maps. Such guidelines do not currently exist, but are important for governmental agencies that disseminate personal data to the public because these agencies have to balance between the citizens’ right to know, and preserving a citizen’s right to privacy.In an experiment, participants compared an original point pattern of confidential crime locations with the same point pattern being geographically masked. Ten different masking methods were tested. The objective was to identify appropriate geographic masking methods that preserve both the confidentiality of individual locations, and the essential visual characteristics of the original point pattern. The empirical testing reported here is a novel approach for identifying various map design principles that would be useful for representing confidential point data on a map.The results of this research show that only two of the ten masking methods that were tested yield satisfactory solutions. The two masking methods include aggregating point locations at either (1) the midpoint of the street segment or (2) at the closest street intersection. The cartographic guidelines developed from this research suggest a combination of both masking strategies. Future research should focus on the refinement and further testing of these, and other alternative masking methods.
Attention on Maps
Authors: Lloyd Robert Earl
Published: June 2014

Wilson’s (1998) notion of consilience among disciplines should be a goal for cartographers. Consilience requires important facts and fact-based theories to apply across disciplines. This paper reviews research on visual attention as an example of a topic shared by information science disciplines. Attention is considered as a competition between neural processes that allow information to be selected and emphasized for perceptual processing. Visual attention has been modeled as a spotlight, zoom lens, gradient, and multiple spotlights. It is argued that visual attention can impact multiple map reading processes and that cartographers can use knowledge about the effects of attention on map reading to design more effective maps. Attention can be directed to locations, objects, and features in the visual field and impacts performance on a variety of map reading tasks. Important general questions relating visual attention and map reading are stated and the literature providing answers discussed. The “dark side” of attention is also discussed and linked to the concepts of inhibition of return, visual marking, inattentional blindness, change blindness, and the attentional blink. Specific map-reading processes affected by visual attention are considered that include figure-ground segregation, visual search, and object selection and grouping. Research trends related to cartographic design and map reading are considered for these processes. Future cartographic studies are considered in four categories—vision before attention, vision with attention, vision after attention, and vision without attention. Understanding the role of visual attention in map reading should be a goal of cartographers interested in producing effective maps.
Looking Closer: A Guide to Making Bird’s-eye Views of National Park Service Cultural and Historical Sites
Authors: Patterson Tom
Published: June 2014

The US National Park Service (NPS) has long used large-scale panoramas, also known as bird’s-eye views, to portray park sites where buildings and other human-made features are plentiful. This paper examines these bird’s-eye views, most of which were produced by nationally renowned contract illustrators in a wide range of artistic styles. Both their traditional and digital work receive attention. A brief historical review looks at the antecedents of current NPS products dating back to the Renaissance. The practical second half of the paper focuses on how the NPS now designs these bird’s-eye views with 3D software, with an eye toward cost savings. Topics include viewing parameters in a 3D scene, preparingDEMs, modeling buildings, designing trees, and creating environmental special effects. Two dozen full-color illustrations supplement the text.
Interpreting Map Art with a Perspective Learned from J.M. Blaut
Authors: Varanka Dalia
Published: June 2014

Map art has been mentioned only briefly in geographic or cartographic literature, and has been analyzed almost entirely at the interpretive level. This paper attempts to define and evaluate the cartographic value of contemporary map-like art by placing the body of work as a whole in the theoretical concepts proposed by J.M. Blaut and his colleagues about mapping as a cognitive and cultural universal. This paper discusses how map art resembles mapping characteristics similar to those observed empirically in very young children as described in the publications of Blaut and others. The theory proposes that these early mapping skills are later structured and refined by their social context and practice. Diverse cultural contexts account for the varieties, types, and degrees of mapping behavior documented with time and geographic place. The dynamics of early mapping are compared to mapping techniques employed by artists. The discipline of fine art serves as the context surrounding map artists and their work. My visual analysis, research about the art and the artists, and interviews with artists and curators form the basis of my interpretation of these works within varied and multiple contexts of late 20th century map art.
Jake Barton’s Performance Maps: An Essay
Authors: Krygier John
Published: June 2014

Jake Barton, a New York-based designer, creates public maps that generate social interaction, personal expression, and collaborative storytelling. Barton’s work is centered on performance, drawing attention to the performative capacity of maps, a seldom-explored facet of cartographic design and theory. Examples of Barton’s projects, realized and unrealized, are detailed, with a focus on the manner in which maps are designed to evoke performance.
Visual Representations of the Spatial Relationship Between Bermuda High Strengths and Hurricane Tracks
Authors: Knowles Jason T. , Leitner Michael
Published: June 2014

The 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons dramatically demonstrated the magnitude of the societal significance of hurricanes, negatively impacting on all scales from the personal to the national. Although definitive identification of the forcing mechanisms controlling hurricane tracks and landfall patterns remains elusive, increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that the increase in hurricane activity along the Gulf Coast is due to a southwestward shift in the position of the Bermuda High. This research uses multiple visualization techniques to explore the spatial correlation between Bermuda High strengths - as interpreted from the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index - and hurricane tracks. Using hurricane vector data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) Hurricane Data set (HURRDAT) and NAO index data since 1947, the hypothesized spatial relationships were investigated. Due to the vast number of storm track segments (more than 17,000), displaying all segments in the same map failed to reveal any coherent spatial pattern. For this reason, storm track segments were converted into a point coverage, each point representing the mid-point of an original storm segment. Other visualization methods were applied to this new point coverage, including choropleth mapping and continuous 2-D and enhanced 3-D surface displays. The latter two methods were novel approaches for the visualization of large numbers of hurricane tracks and can be applied to any large data sets consisting of linear features. Results visually support a spatial relationship between hurricane tracks and Bermuda High strengths.
The Role of Color Saturation in Maps for Children
Authors: Buckingham Bill , Harrower Mark
Published: June 2014

Bright, saturated colors are very common on maps for children, especially maps in grade-school textbooks. This is despite the tendency of professional cartographers to use highly saturated colors sparingly in much of their work. This research seeks to determine if highly saturated colors are necessary for children to understand a map’s content and if children prefer highly saturated colors. Two hundred forty two fourth and fifth grade students were tested for both performance and preference on land use and time flow maps. Saturation’s effect on performance appeared to be largely negligible, however the students, both male and female, strongly preferred the maps that were highly saturated.
Maps and the Internet: What a Mess It Is and How To Fix It
Authors: Peterson Michael
Published: June 2014

The promise of the Internet for cartography has faded into stark realities of commercialism, connectivity problems and confusion about what represents quality in Internet mapping. Accessing the Internet is still problematic and a great digital divide separates the developed from the developing world. Interaction with the online map, the single greatest advantage of maps and the new medium, has been either poorly implemented or not incorporated at all. The commercial aspect of the Internet has been turned upside down. We pay to access the Internet, not for its content. As a result, there is little competition to improve the quality of online maps, other than for bragging rights, and little incentive to create quality content. On top of this, in many parts of the world, access to the Internet by computer is expensive or inconvenient and people prefer to use the Internet through their mobile phone. Almost all new users to the Internet are connecting through mobile devices and a small screen that is hardly suitable for the display of maps. While a de-centralized system like the Internet is impossible to fix in traditional ways, solutions must be found for making the medium more accessible and useful for maps. National and international organizations can play a key role in providing examples of what is possible with maps and the Internet. Low-cost, easy-to-use tools also need to be made available so that online cartographers can create quality content.
Unusual Map Projections
Authors: Tobler Waldo
Published: June 2014

In this paper I look at azimuthal projections, equal area projections, and spherical and map distances, with emphasis on less known variants.
Automation and the Map Label Placement Problem: A Comparison of Two GIS Implementations of Label Placement
Authors: Kern Jill Phelps , Brewer Cynthia A.
Published: June 2014

The placement of feature name labels on maps has challenged mapmakers throughout history. Before the development of mapping software, placing labels in manual map production could consume up to half or more of overall map production time. This paper explores the extent to which current GIS software can place labels legibly, without overlap, and with good visual association between features and labels. This evaluation takes place in the context of a densely featured municipal sewer utility map book. The primary research objective is to evaluate the ability of current GIS software to automate label placement; the research also identifies factors that make manual refinement of automated label placement necessary in order to complete the labeling process. The research compares map-labeling tools from ESRI TM ’s ArcMap TM 9.2: the Standard Labeling Engine and the Maplex TM labeling extension. Label placement success is assessed by both quantity and quality metrics, using a methodology developed and tailored specifically for evaluation of sewer map label placement. The research found that Maplex placed almost seven percent more labels overall than the Standard Labeling Engine. For the labels they did place, both products provided equally good quality label placement: About 93 percent of labels were placed with no overlap, and virtually 100 percent of labels were placed in their preferred position. After conversion to annotation, manual label position refinement eliminated all overlaps but at the cost of a nine percent decline in the preferred position metric.
Addressing Map Interface Usability: Learning from the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Interactive Map
Authors: Roth Robert E. , Harrower Mark
Published: June 2014

These are exciting days for cartography, as emerging technologies have greatly expanded the possibilities of online, interactive maps. These developments, however, now require cartographers to think about issues that only a few years ago fell solely in the domains of human-computer interaction (HCI) and web design. Further, given how fast these changes have occurred, there are few tried-and-true guidelines for building digital maps. This paper reports on the design, development, and evaluation of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve Interactive Map (www.lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu) and outlines many of the insights gleaned from this process. The purpose of this article is to strengthen the important bridge between cartography and usability evaluation (i.e., how we study the way in which users interact with their maps and how we measure the success of those interactions) so that the efforts of a team of developers and stakeholders can be coordinated in a way that ensures the map works equally well for all potential end users. We outline the relative merits of two broad categories of evaluation techniques, arguing that there is no single, correct evaluation technique appropriate for all evaluation scenarios, and then detail the specific strategy adopted for evaluation of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Interactive Map. We conclude by offering four design guidelines for online, interactive maps revealed during the evaluation of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve Interactive Map: two positive strategies we recommend for consideration when designing map interfaces (inclusion of cascading interface complexity and provision of map browsing flexibility) and two pitfalls we caution to avoid (minimalist design of interface widgets and employment of a lorem ipsum map during development).
Data Layer Integration for The National Map of the United States
Authors: Usery E. Lynn , Finn Michael P. , Starbuck Michael
Published: June 2014

The integration of geographic data layers in multiple raster and vector formats, from many different organizations and at a variety of resolutions and scales, is a significant problem for The National Map of the United States being developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Our research has examined data integration from a layer-based approach for five of The National Map data layers: digital orthoimages, elevation, land cover, hydrography, and transportation. An empirical approach has included visual assessment by a set of respondents with statistical analysis to establish the meaning of various types of integration. A separate theoretical approach with established hypotheses tested against actual data sets has resulted in an automated procedure for integration of specific layers and is being tested. The empirical analysis has established resolution bounds on meanings of integration with raster datasets and distance bounds for vector data. The theoretical approach has used a combination of theories on cartographic transformation and generalization, such as Töpfer’s radical law, and additional research concerning optimum viewing scales for digital images to establish a set of guiding principles for integrating data of different resolutions.
Non-Connective Linear Cartograms for Mapping Traffic Conditions
Authors: Wu Yi-Hwa , Hung Ming-Chih
Published: June 2014

Cartograms have the advantage of bringing a greater visual impact to map readers. Geographic locations or spatial relationships of objects are intentionally modified to suit the attributes pertaining to objects. In area cartograms, it is the size of the object that is intentionally modified, while in linear cartograms it is the length or direction that is intentionally modified. Traffic conditions in urban transportation networks are very dynamic phenomenon as they change through time. During highly congested hours, travel speeds are low, and travel times are long, and vice versa. In previous studies, traffic conditions were visualized by color and width of road segments. In this paper, non-connective linear cartograms are introduced as a way to represent traffic conditions. Non-connective linear cartograms are linear cartograms that do not show the connectivity between line segments. Lengths of road segments are modified to represent a specific theme in traffic conditions. When the length of road segments represents the congestion level, longer segments indicate higher congestion levels, meaning near road maximum capacity. When the length of the segments represents the travel speed, longer segments indicate higher travel speed and, therefore, shorter travel time. When the length of the segments represents the travel time, longer segments indicate longer travel time, and therefore lower travel speed. In the non-connective linear cartograms, lengths of line segments are not limited to the physical length of represented road segments. The flexibility of adjusting it makes length of line segment a visual variable just like color and width of line segment. All three visual variables work together to create dramatic visual effects and attract greater attention from readers.
More than Just a Pretty Picture: The Map Collection at the Library of Virginia
Authors: Farrell Cassandra Britt
Published: June 2014

The Library of Virginia’s map collection has grown significantly since the Library opened in 1823. Seven maps and four atlases are listed in the 1828 catalog and today approximately 65,000 maps are housed at the Library of Virginia. Rare manuscript collections, valuable “mother” maps of the state, and thousands of maps produced for commercial and federal publications are available for patron use. They are more than just pretty pictures, as this article attempts to show. In fact, this article is based on a presentation I gave in August 2008 at the Library of Virginia during the exhibition “From Williamsburg to Wills’s Creek: the Fry-Jefferson Map of Virginia.”