Date of Award
8-2005
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Program
Geography
Department
Geography
Major Professor
Skupin, Andre
Second Advisor
Brooks, Jane
Third Advisor
Hagelman, Jane
Abstract
The Internet and other advances in technology have dramatically affected cartography in recent decades and yet these new capabilities have not been adequately evaluated for effectiveness. Are dynamic maps more effective than traditional static paper maps in allowing users to visualize spatio-temporal patterns? How important is a higher level of interactivity in visualizing data? Which format is preferred? To examine these questions, human subject tests were conducted to evaluate different levels of interactivity as represented by 1) a static paper map series; 2) an animated map with 'VCR'-type controls; and 3) a toggle map featuring an interactive temporal legend. Results indicate that while the level of interactivity did not affect accuracy of answers to questions regarding spatio-temporal patterns, the total amount of time in which these questions were answered lessened as the level of interactivity increased. Overall, test subjects were more enthusiastic towards the tools featuring greater interactivity.
Recommended Citation
Ebinger, Samara, "Comparing Different Levels of Interactivity in the Visualization of Spatio-Temporal Data" (2005). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 281.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/281
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.