Children enjoy exploring a Globe and finding the desired information from it. Like many adults, I too enjoy spending time on Google Maps to plan a getaway, choose the best mode of travel, explore the terrain, and so on. The bottomline is a Map portrays and conveys information in ways that are very compelling to the adventure-seeking side of ours.
In this post, I will demonstrate five smart ways to communicate effectively through Maps. These techniques can not only accommodate more and wider variety of information than a what the regular 2D map can, it can also convey the intended message more effectively.
SECTION HYPERLINKS
Smart Visualization Techniques for Mapping Datasets
The demonstrations have been prepared using Esri's ArcGIS Pro software and Training material.
1. FLY-THROUGH ANIMATION
Consider a situation where you want to display the Study Area in a before and after state - for example, pre and post Afforestation efforts. A Fly-Through animation, as the name suggests, enables an observer to have a third-person, bird's eye view of the development through the passage of time.
The footage below depicts a Fly-Through animation of Oso, Washington (USA) in the aftermath of the devastating Mudslide which occured on 22nd March 2014. The scene has been rendered in 3D using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)Â - it helps render the visualization in a more realistic manner.
2. TEMPORAL 2D ANIMATION
This technique is particularly useful when the data points are spread across time i.e. are temporal in nature. The demonstration video below depicts a 2D animation of Maritime Trade from three European countries (England, Netherlands & Spain) during the year 1770 in a chronological, monthly manner (CLIWOCÂ had retrieved the coordinates, time information and corresponding attributes from the logbooks filed by the respective captains of these ships).
Plenty of insights can be gleaned from the geospatial data in such an animation form- for example, the preferred route used by a particular country, the location of the docking port, frequency of shipments, and so on. You'll acknowledge the effectiveness of this technique by imagining how difficult it would be to convey this exact story using a regular 2D Map. In case you are wondering, this is how the data looks in its static form. Just a meaningless jumble of coordinates!
3. TEMPORAL STOP-MOTION 3D ANIMATION
Let me evoke your memories of a Flipbook. The technique that is used to prepare it is called Stop-Motion wherein the drawn objects are manipulated in small increments in each frame so as to create an illusion of motion when rapidly flipped in a sequence.
To continue from the previous workflow, I will now focus on Maritime Trade on a particular route only - Spain to Puerto Rico. There were three journeys made on this route, on different days during the year 1770. The Stop-Motion 3D Animation, as demonstrated in the video below, helps an observer to see the route as well as know which of the three journeys was completed in quickest time.
Isn't this method of conveying geospatial information useful?
4. STORYMAPS
While this isn't necessarily a new technique of designing and displaying geospatial information as such, I've included Esri's StoryMaps in this post because it is such a wholesome and interactive way of presenting geospatial information to the viewer. Do watch this demonstration - Mapping Mount Everest - to experience how StoryMaps tool enables the creator to convey a thematic story more immersively.
Sharing a promotional video on StoryMaps below-
5. MAP DASHBOARDS
Dashboards are an enormously useful way of conveying geospatial information, especially in a corporate and project management-context. With Dashboards tool, one can develop dynamic web and mobile-friendly Geospatial-applications with relative ease. The dashboards are configurable i.e. it can be designed in a way that is relevant for the stakeholders and each of them can be given access to a customized view of the overall repository that the Dashboard has been linked to.
In this post, you'll be able to access demonstrations of four different variants of Dashboards - Informational, Operational, Tactical and Strategic. Additionally, do explore some of the super-impressive Dashboards demonstrated on Cool Maps. The Migration Trends & Crime Time dashboards are my personal favorites.
The video below will take you through the journey of creating a Dashboard on Esri's GIS platform-
Here's hoping that you benefit from the five techniques discussed here👋.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers Mapping services that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India and will aid your organization to meet its stated objectives pertaining to Operational Excellence, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, the firm's area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities-
Our Mapping for Operations-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this brochure. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,