Virtual geo-cyber environments: metaphorical visualization of virtual cyberspace with geographical knowledge

Abstract

Cyberspace is a dynamic and complex environment that poses unique challenges in understanding and managing its intricacies. In this study, we developed a framework for ‘Geo-Cyber’ spatial correlation mapping and expression, leveraging geographical information to enhance the understanding of cyberspace. The theory of geographic metaphor is incorporated into the framework to provide a comprehensive and intuitive approach for comprehending the interplay between geographic space and cyberspace. The framework enables the modeling and visual expression of geo-cyber correlations using a layered knowledge-graph representation. To graphically represent the complex knowledge graph within cyberspace, the framework uses an ‘Object-VirtualObject-Process-Decision’ layered modeling approach, which facilitates effective navigation and comprehension of the inherent cyberspace dynamics. Based on the experimental data, we employed a virtual geo-cyber environment system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework. The application cases include resource navigation and situational awareness in cyberspace to showcase the practicality and relevance of the proposed framework. The analysis indicated that the framework enhances situational awareness, facilitates effective decision-making, and promotes a holistic comprehension of the interplay between geography and cyberspace by leveraging geographic information and incorporating metaphorical cognition, layered modeling, and visualization techniques.