Visualization of spatial change

Abstract

Safety concerns and economic, environmental, scientific, and sustainable development issues require the monitoring and assessment of the various changes that occur in the geographical space. For knowledgebased decision-making and management approaches, spatial change can be better understood through representations, which enhance the cognitive eye-brain process. Work conducted in multiple programs of the Earth Sciences Sector (ESS), Natural Resources Canada is presented. This work aims to develop effective visualization of time-dependent spatial information to assist in the communication and understanding of the various geographic phenomena. Initially, elements and approaches for the effective cartographic representation of spatial changes are discussed. Subsequently, principles for the visualization of change and various modes for change representation are given along with the current web-based technological developments and trends. The visualization concepts and techniques discussed are demonstrated using several examples.