Analytical Map Use

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Abstract
Two perspectives on cartography are drawn together by examining virtual map use in spatial-analytical systems: the "map as a presentation image" and the "map as a computational tool." Map use is characterized in terms of three levels of tasks and two types of information products commonly generated. Level-one tasks include distinguishing individual symbol differences, the most basic information on a map. Level-two tasks include identifying clusters of symbols. Individual symbols and clusters of symbols constitute surface-structure information on a map. Level three, the primary focus of this article, includes decision-making and content-knowledge-building activity for geographical problem solving. Such tasks emphasize the use of deep-structure information on maps. Deep-structure information, also called conceptual information, primarily consists of geographical relationships as part of spatial context and meaning. Both surface and deep structure compose an information structure. An information structure is important in providing a context for query-mode and product-mode information products primarily at level three. Spatial data models capable of storing and/or deriving information structures are discussed using a spatial-analysis perspective. More flexible data models are required to store and manipulate geographic data semantics if level-three tasks are to be addressed. Such data models can form the basis of social-science geographic information systems (GIS).

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