Applications of Visualization

Article

Summary

This article strives to improve the user/computer interaction by allowing visualization of initial idea/problem and brainstorming sessions in GIS disciplines. This would enhance finding solutions to problems by actively involving computers in the process of problem foundation. A GIS would benefit here because of it nature of laborious inputs and problems illustrating spatial concepts. Some key points:

• Visualization: the process of graphically conveying or presenting end results. Often seen as last step in process
• Strong computer input at the initial stage requires human-like strategies to perceive a user's input.
• Spatial concepts difficult to understand with defined method
• Many principles of GIS are not spatially enabled (databases, etc.)
• User interaction has lagged behind other computer advances (WWW, hardware, software)
• This results in lack of support and advancement for spatial data applications
• Added modalities can be talking, writing, gesturing and sketching, adding to the user/computer interaction
• Mouse is not the answer for all systems as user input
• Simplify UIs for a broader audience, let user choose their type of interaction
• As there is more data and applications, this results in inability of users
• Visualization only used once problem is defined
• Assuming Visualization is the action of forming a mental image or becoming aware of something through graphical aids, early visualization can occur early to reduce unsuccessful problem solving
• Early visualization considers visualization as a concept for the user as well as the processing system
• Early involvement of GIS during problem formation allows the system more information and helps support the overall understanding of the situation
• GIS should keep records of user processes to gain insight about user intentions
• Network bandwidth essential due to distributed spatial data access. The need for metadata and search mechanisms
• How much system intervention is needed? Finding the right balance is key so the system does not interfere
• Electronic sketching, verbal gestures into spatial queries (Spatial-Query-by-Sketch)

Comments

• GIS is indeed a subset of computer science and we must inherit CS' caveats and technologies at this point
• GIS seen as CPU intensive becase of this; image processing seen as more difficult because of computer science development (ASCII, bitmaps, etc.). CS defined that images are large to crunch
• Technical documentation? Rarely written by those who develop software; gap in delivery
• ESRI ArcView extension modeller attempts to run processes based on user-defined flowcharts
• Indeed, how long before computer really starts challenging human thought?
• This area has lacked because of the inadequacy of modelling human behaviour.

Discussion

• How many people flowchart or sketch their work beforehand in assessing the problem?