Geographical design
Subtitle: spatial cognition and geographical information science
By: Stephen C. Hirtle
Series: Synthesis lectures on human-centered informatics -- # 11
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool
Published: 2011
Place of publication: San Rafael, Calif. (1537 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 USA)
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
ISBN-13: 9781608455966; 9781608455959
Subjects: Geographic information systems; Cognitive maps (Psychology); Digital mapping; Space perception
Other titles: Synthesis digital library of engineering and computer science.
Description: With GIS technologies ranging from Google Maps and Google Earth to the use of smart phones and in-car navigation systems, spatial knowledge is often acquired and communicated through geographic information technologies.This monograph describes the interplay between spatial cognition research and use of spatial interfaces. It begins by reviewing what is known about how humans process spatial concepts and then moves on to discuss how interfaces can be improved to take advantage to those capabilities. Special attention is given to a variety of innovative geographical platforms that provide users with an intuitive understanding and support the further acquisition of spatial knowledge. The monograph concludes with a discussion of the number of outstanding issues, including the changing nature of maps as the primary spatial interface, concerns about privacy for spatial information, and a look at the future of user-centered spatial information systems.
Notes: Part of: Synthesis digital library of engineering and computer science.

Series from website.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 43-54).

Abstract freely available; full-text restricted to subscribers or individual document purchasers.

Also available in print.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Table of contents: title: Figure credits; title: Acknowledgments; title: 1. Introduction; title: 2. Spatial cognition; title: Conceptualization of space; title: Cognitive structures; title: Landmarks; title: Cognitive collage; title: Wayfinding; title: Matching problem; title: Heterogeneity of space; title: Expectations; title: 3. Technologies; title: Determining of spatial location; title: Display of spatial information; title: Cartographic principles; title: Maps; title: Web based mapping and VGI; title: Other kinds of displays; title: Spatially relevant tasks; title: 4. Cognitive interfaces for wayfinding; title: Variable routing programs; title: Landmark-based wayfinding navigation systems; title: Applications through social networking; title: 5. Open issues; title: What are the privacy issues with regard to spatial information; title: In what ways does GPS replace the need for maps altogether; title: What is the future of user-centered spatial information systems; title: 6. For more information; title: Bibliography; title: Author's biography.