Developing and Analyzing an Information System for Choropleth Maps

Slocum教授将探索计算机生成的地图可以以印刷地图无法实现的方式向地图用户传达地理信息。他将首先开发一个面向信息的软件系统，该系统使用单独的地图来描绘地图信息，使用户能够访问地图所基于的数据，并使用户能够有选择地查看用于制作每一张地图的任何数据类别。然后，他将对该软件进行评估，既有地图绘制经验丰富的用户，也有地图绘制方面的幼稚用户。计算机生成提供了许多使用硬拷贝地图难以或不可能实现的地图选项。Slocum的研究将增加我们对用户如何解释最常用的地图技术之一的理解。他的工作将使制图员能够设计更有效的地图和地理信息系统。

Professor Slocum will explore the ways computer-generated maps can communicate geographic information to map users in ways that printed maps cannot. He will first develop an information-oriented software system that uses separate maps to portray cartographic information, gives the user access to the data upon which maps are based, and enables the user selectively to view any of the data classes used to make each map. He will then conduct an evaluation of the software by both cartographically experienced and cartographically naive map users. Computer generation offers many mapping options that are difficult or impossible to achieve with hardcopy maps. Slocum's research will increase our understanding of how users interpret one of the most commonly used mapping techniques. His work will enable cartographers to design more effective maps and geographic information systems.