GeoVisualization and GIS: A Human Centred Approach

Abstract

This chapter introduces the relationships among geovisualization, human computer interaction (HCI), geographic information systems (GIS) and cartography as a means of supporting decision making. It emphasizes the importance of the data modelling and the associated visualizations in terms of what we can do by way of analysis and the methods by which we can undertake the analysis. It also argues that concepts from Usability Evaluation Methods (UEMs) and other HCI techniques offer a potentially more substantive approach to understanding the use of visualizations in collaborative decision making. Furthermore, the authors hope that understanding the underlying assumptions and relations among geovisualization, human computer interaction, geographic information systems and cartography will inform researchers and decision makers of a better design for studying geovisualization as enabling means of decision making.