Temporally navigating spatio-temporal data in GIS: temporal zoom and pan in a multi-touch environment

Lee, Cassandra Tara (2013) Temporally navigating spatio-temporal data in GIS: temporal zoom and pan in a multi-touch environment. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (6MB)

Abstract

The temporal dimension of spatio-temporal datasets is often an important component in exploring and answering questions about geographic phenomena. With the ability of modern technologies to capture and store very large spatio-temporal datasets, being able to effectively navigate these datasets becomes increasingly important. While geographic information systems have focused on developing spatial navigation tools, approaches to temporal navigation have not received the same level of attention. Current temporal navigation tools also do not take full advantage of recent technologies such as multi-touch devices. This thesis proposes two approaches, Dynamic Radial Navigation and Multiple Linked Time Sliders, for navigating the temporal dimension of spatio-temporal data within a multi-touch environment. These approaches were evaluated, along with two more common and simple approaches, in a laboratory-based user study. This study indicated that while the proposed approaches enabled the participants to temporally navigate the data, and the participants valued the advanced visualization features, these advanced features need to be balanced with ease of use and would require additional iterations of design and testing before being put into practice.

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