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I ask in this essay: How do user-centered design studies contribute to cartography?
Scholars in related fields increasingly recognize the intellectual value of employing user-centered processes to improve a single product and identify new design considerations for future products. To this end, I propose an analytical framework for organizing the co...
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Modeling complex systems is a time-consuming, difficult and fragmented task, often requiring the analyst to work with disparate data, a variety of models, and expert knowledge across a diverse set of domains. Applying a user-centered design process, we developed a mixed-initiative visual analytics approach, a subset of the Causemos platform, that a...
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... The process of map-making involves several stages, including conceptual design, iterative prototyping, and comprehensive evaluation (Roth, 2019). In line with standard cartographic practices, we distill the process into three fundamental steps ( Figure 1): preparation, map design, and map evaluation. ...
The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) presents new opportunities to advance the cartographic process. Previous studies have either overlooked the artistic aspects of maps or faced challenges in creating both accurate and informative maps. In this study, we propose CartoAgent, a novel multi-agent cartographic framework powered by multimodal large language models (MLLMs). This framework simulates three key stages in cartographic practice: preparation, map design, and evaluation. At each stage, different MLLMs act as agents with distinct roles to collaborate, discuss, and utilize tools for specific purposes. In particular, CartoAgent leverages MLLMs' visual aesthetic capability and world knowledge to generate maps that are both visually appealing and informative. By separating style from geographic data, it can focus on designing stylesheets without modifying the vector-based data, thereby ensuring geographic accuracy. We applied CartoAgent to a specific task centered on map restyling-namely, map style transfer and evaluation. The effectiveness of this framework was validated through extensive experiments and a human evaluation study. CartoAgent can be extended to support a variety of cartographic design decisions and inform future integrations of GenAI in cartography.
... Roth [13] identified domain gap analysis as a key stage in the initial phase of the iterative cycle. This analysis aspires to evaluate existing practices and identify unmet needs associated with the use of touristic maps in a specific area, forming a key part of the gap analysis phase. ...
... These maps, provided by the relevant institutions, offer a basis for analyzing current practices and identifying opportunities for improvement. Adding these sources is a valuable preparatory step for the needs assessment that can identify new ways of approaching design [13]. This analysis will be guided by established cartographic principles and communication strategies. ...
This study examines the understanding of tourist maps in Croatian national parks, emphasizing a user-centered approach to enhancing cartographic design, the tourist experience, and map readability. Although tourist maps are widely used, there is limited research evaluating these cartographic products, particularly in terms of their comprehensibility and effectiveness in communicating spatial information. To address this gap, we examined existing cartographic materials published by Croatian national park authorities in line with recognized cartographic standards. An online questionnaire, completed by 132 participants of varying ages and educational backgrounds, was used to evaluate the understanding of Point of Interest (POI) pictograms. The results obtained within both gap analysis and needs assessment underscore the need for user-centered improvements in cartographic communication and provide a foundation for the development of more effective map designs tailored to user needs.
... Roth (2019) argues that there are at least eight critical moments in UCD studies where designers can enhance cartographic design using alternative approaches, providing valuable and contextually relevant insights. The eight moments in Roth (2019) are: (1) domain gap analyses, (2) adapted or novel user-centered methods, (3) streamlined UCD processes, (4) transferable design insights, (5) comprehensive user-centered design case studies, (6) novel or unique maps and visualizations, (7) summative controlled experiments, and (8) new insights into pressing geographic problems. In our paper, we discuss the domain gap and provide transferable design insights that are highlighted as significant contributions to cartography. ...
We are surrounded by overwhelming big data, which brings substantial advances but meanwhile poses many challenges. A very large portion of big data contains geospatial information and hence geospatial big data, which is crucial for decision-making if being utilized strategically. Among others, volumes in size and high dimensions are two major challenges that prevent strategic decision-making from geospatial big data. Interactive map-based and geovisualization-enabled web applications are intuitive and useful to construct knowledge. More importantly, such interactive web map applications are powerful to intuitively reveal insights from high-dimensional geospatial big data for actionable decision-making. We propose an interactive and data-driven web mapping framework, named dciWebMapper, for visualizing and sensing high dimensional geospatial (big) data in an interactive and scalable manner. To demonstrate the wide applicability and usefulness of our framework, we have applied our dciWebMapper framework to three real-world case studies and implemented three corresponding web map applications: iLit4GEE-AI, iWURanking, and iTRELISmap. We expect and hope the three web maps demonstrated in different domains, from literature big data analysis to world university ranking to scholar mapping, will provide a good start and inspire researchers and practitioners in various domains to apply our dciWebMapper to solve and/or aid in solving impactful problems.
... Since we have a clear understanding that not all map designs are suitable for all map use purposes, users, and contexts (Griffin et al., 2017;Roth R. E., 2019), there is a growing community combining cartography and maps with questions of locationbased services (LBS), spatial cognition and neuro-adaptivity, to devise appropriate and context-specific mobile map designs that respond to the needs of users in their changing mobile map use contexts. In the last decade, research fields, such as psychology and human-computer interaction have shown increased interest in this research. ...
Mobile maps are an important tool for mastering modern digital life. In this paper, we outline our perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with designing adaptive mobile maps that are useful, usable, and accessible to a wide range of users in different contexts. If we claim for adaptive mobile maps to be successful, we need to expand our understanding of map use context, including the physical and digital spaces, user behavior, and individual differences. We identify key challenges, such as the scarcity of knowledge about mobile map use behavior, the need for effective adaptation methods and strategies, user acceptance of adaptive maps, and issues related to control, privacy, trust, and transparency. We finally suggest research opportunities, such as studying mobile map usage, employing AI-based adaptation methods, leveraging the power of visual communication through maps, and ensuring user acceptance through user control and privacy.
... The assessment of users, their map use contexts, and the related emerging needs to the design of maps are integral to a user-centered design (UCD) approach. Documenting insights regarding the map design related to map use situations helps determine whether these insights are transferable to other map use situations [9,12]. Several user studies have been conducted to evaluate map design in regard to map use context attributes, e.g., in terms of differences in map use situation [13][14][15], digital and map use literacy [16,17], purposes of use [7,18,19], or cognitive abilities [20,21]. ...
Mobile map applications are increasingly used in various aspects of our lives, leading to an increase in different map use situations and, therefore, map use contexts. Several empirical usability studies have identified how map design is associated with and impacted by selected map use context attributes. This research seeks to expand on these studies and analyzes combinations of map use contexts to identify relevant contextual factors that influence mobile map design usability. In a study with 50 participants from Colombia, we assessed in an online survey the usability of 27 map design variations (consisting of three map-reading tasks, three base map styles, and three interactivity variants). We found that the overall map design is critical in supporting map-reading activities (e.g., identifying a location on a map was supported by a simplified base map, whereas selecting points on the map was supported by a more detailed base map). We then evaluated user patterns in the collected data with archetypal analysis. It was possible to create archetypal representations of the participants with a corresponding map design profile and establish a workflow for modeling patterns in usability and context data. We recommend that future research continues assessing archetypal analysis as it provides a means for context-based decision-making on map design adaptation and transferability.
... All primary app pages are now accessible via tabs located at the bottom of the screen. We have preserved the two versions discussed in this paper for provenance (Roth, 2019): https://z.umn.edu/ FCv1JoM (v1) and https://z.umn.edu/FCv2JoM ...
Technology has transformed maps into interactive tools for exploring and understanding the world. In this article, we present the user experience (UX) design process for Flyover Country (http://flyovercountry.io), a mobile mapping application that visualizes information about the Earth’s geology and history, allowing users to save and then access the information offline while flying, driving, or hiking. Specifically, the paper presents a UX design study that tracks the conceptualization, implementation, and revision of Flyover Country, and employs scenario-based design to walk through a pair of use case scenarios that informed our UX design: science outreach to the general public and field trip guides for geoscience education. In the paper, we note UX design insights that are potentially transferable to other mobile mapping contexts, organizing insights by mobile representation design (scale, projection, symbolization, and typography) versus mobile interaction design (map entry point, bottom navigation, floating action button, and pull-up information panel).
... Popelka et al. 2013, Havelková andHanus 2019). The empirical testing has covered various issues (Štěrba et al. 2015), yet, there are still many challenges to be faced (Griffin, Robinson, Roth 2017;Roth et al. 2017;Roth 2019). One of the important questions in cartography is how digital technology has affected map production and map use. ...
Interactive maps are increasingly popular and have spread into everyday life. However, the pace of implementation of interactive maps may differ within different age groups. In order to adjust maps to user expectations and preferences, it is necessary to study disparities in attitude towards different types of maps in groups of various users. The aims of the study are to find out if the approach to maps of different media varies among age groups, and whether the frequency of use of interactive maps and their functions decreases with the age of users. A survey focusing on habits and preferences towards digital and paper maps was conducted among 80 users aged 20-72. Results suggest that the polarization of answers is lower than suggested by the Prensky theory of digital immigrants and natives: people of all ages who were tested have a lot in common in terms of interactive map use. Nonetheless, the youngest group has a strong preference for interactive maps. KEY WORDS paper maps-interactive maps-digital natives-digital immigrants-preferences-map use-map medium SŁOMSKA-PRZECH, K., GOŁĘBIOWSKA, I.M. (2020): Falling into a digital world: how are paper and interactive maps used by digital natives and immigrants. Geografie, 125, 4, 447-472.
From oral histories to mnemonic devices, humans have an excellent ability to remember object sequences and their relationships inside of narratives (Baddeley 1999). In pedestrian wayfinding, remembering landmarks and their relationships is considered key to learning routes (Denis, Mores, Gras, Gyselinck, & Daniel 2014). This research explores whether augmenting verbal route instructions with a narrative increases the memorability of a route. Narrative theory is applied as a framework to develop narrative-based navigation instructions, which were tested in a field study (N = 18). After learning a route, participants recalled the route verbally, completed a photo-based landmark sequencing task and discussed their answers. One week later, a route recognition task and a second photo-based landmark sequencing task was completed online. Results show few significant differences between the two groups when compared quantitatively. However, during interviews, the narrative group repeatedly cited the narrative when remembering the route. The results suggest that incorporating narratives into route directions can be further explored, and that some novel direction types may not be well-measured using quantitative methods. This research confirms the prowess of landmark-based instructions to facilitate route memory, contributes to the growing body of work augmenting landmark-based route directions with detailed information, and further encourages designers to consider alternate route communication methods.
