Integrated Information Design Of Thematic Atlas Based On IPad Environment

Owing to the rapid development of computers and networks, information transmission environment and medium are constantly updated, and the visualization of electronic atlases has also been expanded, which is supported by digital transmission medium. This development has led to the condition that the carrying platform of electronic atlas changed rapidly as the consequence of the advent and widespread use of such tablet computing devices as iPad, which creates both opportunities and new challenges for atlas design specialists. It is useful and necessary to explore new methods of producing electronic atlas with the adaption of new characteristics and requirement for this transmission. The goal of the study is therefore to explore an integrative design method for tablet-based atlases, which consider the basic elements of thematic maps, infographics, interface and interaction. This study mainly processes in the following steps:(1) Summarize the theoretical basis of electronic atlas to establish the basic research, from the view of cartography and information design, which includes the theories of map information transmission, map visualization and cartographic perception, Gestalt principle, the logics and’VARK’Modalities in information design(2) Analyze the characteristics of iPad and present our design scheme. It is conducted from the aspects of iPad atlas design, such as framework, color, interface, map infographics and interactions. iPad atlas design is integrated by the characteristics of mobile design in depth and width, employing screen color principles as well as grid systems which abide by the visual focus traces in screen interface. Besides, we address a new content representation model using a movie-script-like narrative framework, and design thematic infographics by a pre-designed route.The iPad gesture interactions are also used to improve the human-computer relationship.(3) iPad atlas has been accomplished from design to production in the technology aspect. As a case by using "the Protection Planning Atlas of Taihu Basin Water Resource", our iPad atlas are compiled with a specific software, which includes content framework, interface layout, map symbolization, graphic and gesture interactions. Then the App prototype and its webpage version are released eventually.Through the information integration design for iPad atlas, it can be achieved the transitions from paper to digital medium, and from desktop screen and traditional web environment to mobile network. These transmissions have expanded the kinds of interactive illustration carrier and have bettered the information logical expression. It has also optimized the visual forms of large capacity of information under the limited screen. In conclusion, it is a significant reference for the innovative atlas design in the future.