Animation-Based Map Design: The Visual Effects of Interpolation on the Appearance of Three-Dimensional Surfaces

Abstract

Computer animation is a potential aid in map design, because it provides a means for quickly reviewing many design alternatives. This research is a conceptual exploration of one aspect of animation-based design: The effect of inverse-distance weighting on the visualization of three dimensional maps. The primary variable examined is the inversedistance weighting exponent. Changing the exponent in small intervals allows the creation of a series of three-dimensional maps that can be assembled, and played back as a frame animation. In this procedure, cartographers can view the visual effects of various exponents on the resulting surfaces. Design-based animations allow mapmakers to visualize effects of their decisions in advance of map production and to make more informed design decisions. It is suggested that this method can be expanded to examine map design for a great many forms of cartographic symbology. Ideally, automatic frame generation and a graphic user interface should become an integral part of the development of these visualizations.