User-centered Map Interactions:a Methodological Comparison And Applications

Interaction is one of the essential characteristics of modern thematic maps. Map users have become active information explorers instead of passive ones during the map interaction process. With the increasing demand in users for interaction, people are placing more importance on the interaction effect and experience. However, the effect is affected by users' cognitive characters. Therefore, user-habits, purposes, metaphors and flow state should be taken into account during interaction design.According to the three dimensions of geography information, map interaction is divided into three categories:spatial interaction, temporal interaction and attribute interaction. Some guiding principles have been put forward based on the superiority and inferiority about interaction methods.(1) Spatial interaction has centered around zooming and panning methods, which include panning, zooming and 'zoom-pan' composite. Based on practical experiences, as well as the comprehension of other spatial interaction methods, a tree-type multi-level pan-zoom framework has been proposed which has advantages of hierarchical layered and fast located by users for their interest zones.(2) The interactive time legend is the main type of temporal interaction, which includes linear type, discrete type and varied velocity type. The distribution characteristic of temporal data is an important factor in choosing an appropriate method.(3) Attribute interaction can be divided into four types:tooltip interaction, window interaction, legend interaction and data-driven interaction, in which the legend interaction has a better effect on visual guidance and representation of thematic factors.As the guidelines mentioned above, some interaction methods have been applied to a digital flash-based atlas of Shanghai Drink Water Reserve Area. The case result showed that the application of interaction methods in thematic maps was practicable both in function and operation, and produced a desired effect on interaction.A summary about the interaction methods and some guiding principles have been raised. More mapping and user testing should be carried out to enrich and complete these guidelines.