4.

Data visualization
4.1. GIS and map

• There is a strong relationship between maps and

GIS. More specifically, maps can be used as input
for a GIS.
• As soon as a question contains a “where?”
question.
• Where do I find MWU?”
• A map would put these answers in a spatial context
• It could show where in the
Ethiopia_MWU is to be found
 Cont..
• Maps can answer the “What?” question only
in relation to location (look the following
figure for better understanding).
 Cont.…

• The map is also giving an answer related to

“When?” questions
• For instance, “When the Ethiopia did have
large area?” The answer might be “1991,” and
this will probably be satisfactory to most
people. However, it might be interesting to
see how this changed over the years.
Cont.…
 Cont.…
• Generally, maps are the most efficient and effective means to transfer
spatial information
• Maps can be categorized by their map scales and purposes. The map
scale is the ratio between a distance on the map and the corresponding
distance in reality. Therefore based on the scale map can be divided in
two three parts;
• Large scale maps: Maps that show much detail of a small area.
e.g.>=1:50,000
• Medium scale maps: Maps that show much detail area than small
scale maps.
e.g. 1:50,000-1:250,000
• Small scale maps: maps that show large area at a glance but less
detail for small areas.
e.g. <=1:250,000
 Cont.…
• Traditionally, based on purposes, maps are divided in to
general purpose maps and thematic maps.
• A general purpose map visualizes, limited by its scale, the
Earth’s surface as accurately as possible. This may include
infrastructure (e.g. railroads and roads), land use (e.g.
vegetation and built-up area), relief, hydrology, geographic
names and a reference grid (Topographic map (A).
• Thematic maps represent the distribution of particular
themes. One can distinguish between socio-economic
themes and physical themes. The map in (Thematic map
(B), showing population density in the specific region.
Cont.…
 Cont.…
4.2. The visualization process
• In the cartographic visualization process there are
translations or conversions of spatial data from databases
into graphics.
• During the visualization process, cartographic methods and
techniques are applied. These can be considered to form a
kind of grammar that allows for the optimal design, the
production and use of maps, depending on the application.
• The producer of these visual products may be a professional
cartographer, but may also be a discipline expert mapping,
 Cont.…
• The visualization process can vary greatly
depending on where in the spatial data handling
process it takes place and the purpose for which it
is needed.
• Visualizations can be, and are, created during any
phase of the spatial data handling process as
indicated before. They can be simple or complex,
while the production time can be short or long
(see the following figure for better impression).
Cont..
 Cont..
• In any of the examples just given, as well as in the maps in this
book, the Visualization process is guided by the question “How
do I say what to whom?”
• How” refers to cartographic methods and techniques.
• “I” represents the cartographer or map maker,
• “say” deals with communicating in graphics the semantics of the
spatial data.
• “What” refers to the spatial data and its characteristics, (for
instance, whether they are of a qualitative or quantitative nature).
• “Who” refers to the map audience and the purpose of the map—a
map for scientists requires a different approach than a map on the
same topic aimed at students (see the following figure fir visual
impression).
Cont.…
Cont..
Cont..
Cont..
 4.3. Mapping data
4.3.1. Mapping qualitative (nominal) data

• When we are going to prepare a map of a given area,

in such a map, each of the separate parts of the given
areas should get equal attention, and none should
stand out above the others since none of the regions
is more important than the others, the colors used
have to be of equal visual weight or brightness.
• The application of color should be the best solution
since it has characteristics that allow one to quickly
differentiate between the different geographic units
(see the following figure for better understanding).
Cont.…
 Cont.…
4.3.2. Mapping quantitative (numerical) data
• When, after executing a census, one would for instance like to
create a map with the number of people living in each district,
one deals with absolute quantitative data.
• The geographic units will logically be the same as that of the
district. The final map should allow the user to determine the
amount per districts and also offer an overview of the
geographic distribution of the phenomenon.
• To reach this objective, the symbols used should have
quantitative perception properties. Symbols varying in size
fulfill this demand based on the existence of the amount of
quantities in the districts (e.g. see the following figure for better
understanding).
Cont.…
 Cont.…
• On the basis of absolute population numbers per district and
their geographic size, we can also generate a map that shows
population density per district.
• We then deal with relative quantitative data. The numbers now
have a clear relation with the area they represent. The
geographic units will again be district
• The aim of the map is to give an overview of the distribution of
the population density. In the map of Figure below, value has
been used to display the density from low (light tints) to high
(dark tints). The map reader will automatically and in a glance
associate the dark colors with high density and the light values
with low density (e.g. see the coming figure).
Cont.…
 Cont.…
4.3.3. Mapping train elevation
• Terrain elevation can be mapped using different methods. Often, one
will have collected an elevation data set for individual points like
peaks, or other characteristic points in the terrain. Obviously, one
can map the individual points and add the height information as text.
• However, a contour map, in which the lines connect points of equal
elevation, is generally used.
• To visually improve the information content of such a map the space
between the contour lines can be filled with color and value
information following a convention, e.g. green for low elevation and
brown for high elevation areas. This technique is known as
hypsometric or layer tinting. Even more advanced is the addition
of shaded relief. This will improve the impression of the three-
dimensional relief (see the Figure below).
 Cont.…

Visualization of terrain elevation:(a) contour map; (b) map with layer tints;(c)
shaded relief map; (d) 3D view of the terrain
 Cont.…
4.4. Web technology for GIS
• The map design will not only be influenced by the nature of the data to be
Mapped or the intended audience (the ‘what’ and ‘whom’ from “How do I
say what to whom, and is it Effective”), the output medium also plays a role.
• Traditionally, maps were produced on paper, and many still are. But at the
modern time the GIS uses different web technology to disseminate its
product and inputs worldwide (e.g. WWW. Webs)
4.4.1. Principles and internet and the web
• Currently, most maps are presented on screen, for a quick view, for an
internal presentation or for presentation on the WWW.
• Compared to maps on paper, onscreen maps have to be smaller, and therefore
their contents should be carefully selected.
• This might seem a disadvantage, but presenting maps on-screen offers very
interesting alternatives. In the web map GIS, a mouse click could also open
the link to a database, and reveal much more information than a paper map
could ever offer. Links to other than tabular or map data could also be made
available.
 Cont.…
4.4.2. Principles of open standards and web GIS
• The World Wide Web is nowadays a common medium used to present and
disseminate spatial data.
• Here, maps can play their traditional role, for instance to show the location
of objects, or provide insight into spatial patterns, but be-cause of the
nature of the internet, the map can also function as an interface to
additional information. Geographic locations on the map can be linked to
photographs, text, sound or other maps, perhaps even functions such as
on-line booking services. Maps can also be used as ‘previews’ of spatial
data products to be acquired through a spatial data clearinghouse that is
part of a Spatial Data Infrastructure. For that purpose we can make use of
geo-web services which can provide interactive map views as intermediate
between data and web browser. Therefore, to use these different webs, we
have to get licenses form the owner organizations.