Boundaries Representation And Visual Design In Geo-Infographics

In geography,boundary is a concept with rich spatial connotation,can represent the scope,borders,junction,etc.,and it is an indispensable issue must be involved in spatial zoning research.In geo-infographics,boundaries can serve as thematic content or location references,and are also essential objects to be represented.However,at present,boundaries are mainly mentioned in studies related to spatial zoning,geopolitics and line symbol design,and there lacks systematic understanding of the connotation,classification and nature of boundaries in space;and comprehensive overview of the possible manifestations of boundaries;and vivid story-telling about some boundaries in space.In view of this,this paper,based on a comprehensive review of the existing research of boundary,systematically reconceptualized boundaries in space,constructed a conceptual map of boundaries,and gives reference to the representation of boundaries in geo-infographics,with a view to supplementing the geo-infographics design theory and enhancing the cartographer's understanding of the importance of boundaries design.First,boundaries in space were re-examined,the significance and connotation of boundaries in geo-infographics were revealed,and boundaries were systematically classified by their ontological nature,and the unique nature of certain boundaries was explored.Then,using basic lines and schematic symbols,the spatial connotation of the boundary,and the special connotation of boundaries under different classification systems,and a schematic diagram of the characteristics of boundaries are given,and a comprehensive conceptual map of boundary is constructed after abstracting relevant series of actions,phenomena and behaviors related to or generated by or even affected by boundaries.Next,a series of map symbol design strategy for boundaries were proposed;some mapping scenarios where boundaries often appear were summarized;and design recommendations were given.Especially,it is pointed out that in geoinfographics,the design of boundaries should follow the principles of meaning-driven,ontologically-driven,characteristic-consideration and reasonable-assisted.The paper concluded by presenting some real and comprehensive geographic case that confirmed the usability of the proposed design principles and methods.Further research could start with the design of boundary in dynamic threedimensional scenes,and rationally design experiments to quantitatively evaluate the applicability and expression effect of symbols of boundary.