Cartographic symbols depicting ecoregion properties

Abstract

The goal of this study was to develop a visual language about ecoregion properties which allowed for customisation at various spatial scales and delineations. The sub-objectives of this study were to: 1) determine a range of data values for the biophysical variables typical of global ecoregions, 2) develop a methodology to create multivariate symbols depicting ecoregion properties, and 3) demonstrate the symbol design with a set of Colorado ecoregions. Multivariate symbols were created to represent the complex array of biophysical properties associated with ecoregions, including temperature, precipitation, landforms, lithology, and representative vegetation. The symbol design accommodated more than 23 temperature and precipitation levels and multiple nested landform categories. Further research into the perception and cognition of sub-elements, as well as their application to a variety of ecoregion definitions will help to hone this prototypical symbol framework. The development of multivariate symbols is a concise tool to communicate complex interrelationships in a way that is not possible with singlevariable symbols.