Cartographic animation and legends for temporal maps : exporation and or interaction

Abstract

Temporal cartographic animations are increasingly common. For users to understand a temporal animation, they must not only apply an appropriate spatial knowledge schema that allows them to interpret relative geographic location, they must also apply an appropriate temporal schema that allows them to interpret meaning inherent in the sequence and pacing of the animation. Similar to static maps, then, the animated maps should be accompanied by a legend that prompts an appropriate schema. However, with animation, the legends function, not only as an interpretation devices but also as a navigation tools. This paper describes potential legends for temporal animation and argues that choices among them should be made with regard to the nature of the temporal data. A test is proposed to assess the viability of the different legends.