A method based on graphic entity for visualizing complex map symbols on the web

Abstract

A method based on graphic entity for map symbol visualization in vector-based web mapping is proposed. The method is especially effective for complex geological symbols. It has three parts: graphic entity library, symbol synthesizer, and synthesis specifications. The design process is described as the application of the method to symbols representing point, line, and polygon features in web mapping. The method works with Flash, SVG, or other mapping technologies. We chose Flash to visualize geological disaster information for the Guangdong province in China. The case study demonstrates that this graphic entity-based method can meet the demands for interactive symbolization and complex symbol visualization in Internet web mapping. It produces good results, is fast, and is easy to operate. This makes it especially suitable for web-mapping applications, especially vector-based and hybrid WebGIS applications which display complex symbols.

Keywords:

• map symbols
• interactive symbolization
• flash
• Internet mapping

Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China [grant number S2013010014097]; the Research Plan of LREIS [grant number O88RA900KA]; and the Key Project for the Strategic Science Plan in IGSNRR, CAS [grant number 2012ZD010].