Kids have so much fun exploring a Globe and extracting new information from it. Like several others, I too enjoy spending time on Google Maps to plan a getaway, choose the best route, shortlist suitable mode(s) of travel, explore the terrain, and so on. Essentially, 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 interesting ways to convey information through Map-based techniques. The methods can accommodate more varieties of information than a static 2D map can and help to convey the intended message effectively.
SECTION HYPERLINKS
All the workflows have been demonstrated using Esri's ArcGIS Pro software. Much thanks to Esri Training for supplying the tutorials
1. FLY-THROUGH ANIMATION
Consider a situation where you want to display the study area in a 'before & after' state - for example, Pre & Post Construction of a Bridge. A fly-through animation, as the name suggests, enables an observer to have a third-person and a bird's eye view of the developments. I have demonstrated the utility of this technique - see the footage below which depicts a fly-through animation of the tragic impact of a large Mudslide in Oso, Wisconsin (USA) that occured on 22nd March 2014.
The scene has been rendered in 3D using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) - it helps to give the visualization a realistic feel. The orange-colored columns are over those house locations which were destroyed by the Mudslide.
Software used: Esri ArcGIS Pro
Video 1: Fly-through Animation Recording - Mudslide in Oso (USA) in 2014
2. TEMPORAL 2D ANIMATION
This technique is particularly useful when the data points are spread across time i.e. are temporal in nature. The video below depicts a 2D animation of Maritime Trade from three European countries (England, Netherlands & Spain) during the year 1770 in a chronological manner. CLIWOC has retrieved the coordinates and corresponding time data points from the logbooks filed by the respective Captains of these ships and this geospatial information was used to prepare the animation.
Software used: Esri ArcGIS Pro
Video 2: 2D Animation Video - European Seafaring Routes in 1770
Plenty of insights can be gleaned from the animation - such as information regarding the preferred route used by a country, location of the docking port, frequency of shipment, 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 standard 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 Shipping activity on a particular route - Spain to Puerto Rico. There were three journeys made on this route, on different days during the year 1770. The Stop-Motion 3D Animation, depicted in the video below, helps an observer to see the route as well as know which journey won the race of time!
Isn't this method of conveying geospatial information fascinating?
Video 3: Route - from La Coruna in Spain to San Juan in Puerto Rico.
4. 'STORYMAPS'
While this isn't necessarily a new technique of designing and displaying geospatial information as such, I've included 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 this piece of software from Esri enables a creator to narrate a thematic, map-based, digital story.
Sharing a promotional video regarding StoryMaps below-
Video 4: Esri StoryMaps Introductory Video
5. MAP DASHBOARDS
Dashboards are an enormously useful way of conveying geospatial information, especially in a corporate and project management-context. With Dashboards, one can configure dynamic web and mobile-friendly map-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 set of stakeholders can access a customized view of the data 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-
Video 5: Esri Operations Dashboard Introductory Video
Here's hoping that you benefit from the five techniques of displaying geospatial information!👋
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions 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, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our 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 flyer. 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.
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