Non-photorealistic 3D geovisualization

Abstract

Non-photorealistic computer graphics offers a large potential for developing specialized visualization techniques in multimedia cartography such as for illustrative, artistic, and informal information display. Most importantly, non-photorealism provides excellent means for visual abstraction as a primary technique to effectively communicate complex spatial information and not only allows us to implement traditional cartographic visualization techniques as part of interactive visualization applications, but also offers an excellent foundation for developing new cartographic concepts for visualizing geoinformation such as illustrative city models and landscape models. Non-photorealistic geovisualization also raises several questions with respect to its impact to map-like and cartographic presentations. What are specific non-photorealistic rendering techniques for interactive map-based depictions? How do non-photorealistic geovisualizations cooperate with photorealistic ones, how to combine them? What are the specific elements of photorealism and non-photorealism in the human visual processing, and how to take advantage of these abilities for a more effective visual communication? © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.