Petr KUBÍČEK

Possibilities of positional uncertainty cartographic visualization testing

Kubíček, P.: Possibilities of positional uncertainty cartographic visualization testing. Kartografické listy, 2011, 19, 4 figs., 1 tab., 21 refs.

Abstract: The issue of spatial data quality and representation of uncertainty related to it has again attracted attention in relation to the INSPIRE Directive. In accordance with development of theoretical aspects of cartographic visualization and methods of uncertainty propagation in models, the generally accepted opinion is that uncertainty has to be presented to users in an unambiguous and understandable way. Therefore, a number of approaches and methods of uncertainty visualization were developed based for example on Bertin’s theory of graphic variables and combining both static and dynamic elements of visualization. Despite partial achievements and existing conceptual approaches to uncertainty visualisation, relatively little is known about specific influence of certain visualization on end users, especially on their ability to use the given visualization in an effective and unambiguous way. Studies published in psychological literature prove, that users react to presented information differently depending on method of presentation, specific task and context. The presented paper describes the process of test development for selected methods of cartographic visualization of positional uncertainty, utilization of multivariate testing software tool for test processing, and its consequent evaluation. Results of testing are further discussed in comparison with similar published studies.

Keywords: positional uncertainty, cartographic visualization, cognition testing