Developing a conceptual framework for visually-enabled geocollaboration

Abstract

Abstract Most work with geospatial data, whether for scientific analysis, urban and environmental planning, or business decision making is carried out by groups. In contrast, geographic information technologies have been built and assessed only for use by individuals. In this paper we argue that, to support collaboration with geospatial information, specific attention must be given to tools that mediate understanding and support negotiation among participants. In addition, we contend that visual representations have a particularly important role to play as mediators of geocollaborative activities. With these contentions as a starting point, we present a framework for study of visually-enabled collaboration with geospatial information and for development, implementation, and assessment of geoinformation technologies that support that collaboration. The paper concludes with a brief description of two prototype geocollaborative environments that illustrate the use of the framework developed and provide the basis for discussing goals for futher research. Acknowledgements This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. 9978052 and No. 0113030 as well as by the Apoala Project (US Environmental Protection Agency grant # R825195-01-0. http://www.geovista.psu.edu/apoala/index.htm). Our thanks go to the following colleagues for their parts in implementation of the prototypes or development of ideas: Mike Wheeler, Hadi Abdo, George Otto, Jack Gundrum, Amy Griffin, Mark Harrower, Daniel Haug, Jeremy Mennis, Diansheng Guo, Masahiro Takatsuka. Boyan Brodaric, Frank Hardisty, Erik Steiner, Craig Williams, Yannis Fermantzis, Dennis McQuerry, and three anonymous reviewers.