From Measurement to Multi-Dimensional Objectivity: A Re-Birth of Cartographic Expression
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Frye, C.; 2Sayre, R.; 3Dangermond, J.; 4Vaughan, R.; 5Aniello, P.
1ESRI Email: cfrye@esri.com
2USGS Email: r
3ESRI Email: jdangermond@esri.com
4ESRI Email: rvaughan@esri.com
5ESRI Email: paniello@esri.com
Abstract
For the past several decades, systems that remotely and automatically detect differences on the Earth's surface have evolved rapidly. The measurement capabilities of these systems provide useful distinctions at increasingly local levels, everywhere on Earth for many phenomena. A wealth of geographic information is now available for every location. These many dimensions of information will make it possible for modern mapmakers to evolve how they represent the Earth’s richness of systems and processes. This paper explores the challenges of cartographically integrating multiple dimensions of data and representing such integrations to catalyze and expedite understanding and knowledge formation. The test for successful integration in the transformation from the value of single datasets, and collections of related datasets to information integrity imbued with multiple objectivities. These objectivities occur through intersections of multiple additional data at every location represented by these data. These objectivities validate combinations that should exist and identify combinations that might not exist. In other words, reducing information uncertainty and in increasing confidence elsewhere. By synthesizing these multiple objectivities and presenting them in map form, the reader sees the information with increased clarity.
Keywords
Big Data; Ecosystems; Multi-Dimensional