Problematyka efektywności przekazu kartograficznego na przykładzie map topograficznych nowej generacji

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań obejmujących wizualizację danych topograficznych BDOTIOk i ich publikację w dedykowanym serwisie internetowym. Jednym z celów projektu było określenie zbioru zasad optymalizacji wizualizacji kartograficznej i opracowanie efektywnych sposobów ich publikacji. Wykazano, iż o efektywności lub szerzej - użyteczności mapy jako środka przekazu informacji, oprócz odpowiedniego doboru danych źródłowych, decyduje również czytelność obrazu, logika systemu znaków umownych, estetyka kompozycji oraz funkcjonalność aplikacji internetowej - w przypadku tego środka dystrybucji map.

One of the key challenges in the process of development of IIP (Infrastructure for Spatial Information) in Poland is the construction of a complex model of a multi-resolution database of topographic objects. Effective implementation of an MRDB-type database requires development of geographic information generalization procedures, as well as a method of visualization of spatial data compliant with classical cartographic methodology. The main assumption of contemporary approach to the edition of Polish topographic maps is a significant extension of a semi-automatic stage of generation of cartographic image from BDOTIOk (database of topographic objects) and BDOO (database of geographic objects), with graphic coherence all through the scale series. Altitude presented through contour lines and shading should also be an important element of topographic maps. To facilitate the evaluation of the process of map edition and effectiveness of the resulting cartographic presentation, three levels of visualization of spatial data have been determined. They are conditioned by the applied GIS technology and are linked to the extent of application of cartographic methodology. The first level is raw visualization, the second - auto¬matic cartographic visualization, and the third - cartographic presentation. The results of the so-defined editorial process basing on BDOT referential data are presented in the form of topographic maps of new generation and in a geo-information on-line service. An experimental geo-information service has been designed and launched; it complies with the basics of cartographic methodology and the rules of optimization of cartographic visualization, which is the basic element guaranteeing usefulness of the geo-service, such as: widespread accessibility, quality of information, graphic and cartographic quality (projection, symbolization, generalization) and ergonomics. Functionalities of the prototype of such a service are described: parallel display of topographic maps in various scales, with an option of synchronization of images and scales. The realized projects provided a wider context for the issue of effectiveness, and primarily for the selection of methods and means of cartographic presentation which would guarantee effective communication in the sense of conveying the contents, efficiency, ease of use, information reliability and general usability for the reader.