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ABSTRACT
Most of the maps used today are what we call pan-scalar maps, i.e. interactive zoomable applications comprised of numerous maps of a particular area at different zoom levels (i.e. scales). We argue that such maps require a pan-scalar map design, which may differ significantly from established map design axioms and standards. This review is twofold. First, it reviews current practices in pan-scalar map design. Second, it summarizes and synthesizes literature about pan-scalar map design, as well as human-computer interaction (HCI) best practices for pan-scalar maps. The review of practices is based on a ScaleMaster analysis of the design of three popular pan-scalar maps: Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and France's IGN Classic. Discussion centers on both stellar and subpar contemporary pan-scalar map design practices to help guide future practical pan-scalar designs and research on pan-scalar maps broadly.
ABSTRAITE
La plupart des cartes utilisées aujourd'hui sont ce que nous appelons des cartes trans-scalaires, i.e. des applications zoomables interactivement, composées de nombreuses cartes couvrant une zone particulière à différents niveaux de détails (i.e. les échelles). Nous argumentons que ces cartes nécessitent une conception trans-scalaire, qui peut différer significativement des règles et standards utilisés pour la conception de cartes classiques. Cet article est composé de deux parties. En premier, nous analysons les pratiques actuelles pour la conception de cartes trans-scalaires. Puis nous résumons et synthétisons la littérature sur la conception de cartes trans-scalaires ainsi que les bonnes pratiques des interactions hommes machines pour les cartes trans-scalaires. La synthèse des pratiques est basée sur l'analyse du cadre d'échelle pour la conception de trois cartes trans-scalaires populaires : Google Map, Open Street Map et les cartes classiques de l'IGN France. La discussion est centrée sur les pratiques contemporaines, excellentes ou médiocres, de conception de cartes trans-scalaires afin de guider les futures conceptions trans-scalaires et de façon plus générale les recherches sur les cartes trans-scalaires.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Maïeul Gruget
Maïeul Gruget is a PhD student at IGN France (the French mapping agency) and Univ Gustave Eiffel. He is interested in cartography, spatial cognition, logics in map explorations. He holds a Master in GI Science from Cergy Paris University.
Guillaume Touya
Guillaume Touya is a senior researcher, at IGN France (the French mapping agency) and Univ Gustave Eiffel. He holds a PhD and habilitation in GI science from Paris-Est University. His research interests focus on automated cartography, map generalization and volunteered geographic information. He is particularly interested in research approaches to multi-scale cartography that mix automated cartography, spatial cognition and human-computer interaction issues. He is the principal investigator of the recent LostInZoom project, funded by the Europe Research Council (ERC). He is the chair of the ICA (International Cartographic Association) commission on map generalization and multiple representation.
Ian Muehlenhaus
Ian Muehlenhaus is a Senior Product Engineer on the ArcGIS Insights team at Esri. He previously worked as an Assistant Professor in cartography at UW-La Crosse and James Madison University and the Director of GIS Professional Programs at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Minnesota and his M.Sc. in the same from Penn State University. Ian is the current Chair of the ICA's Commission on Map Design. Ian's research interests include map design, geovisual analytics, and persuasive geocommunication.