NACIS 2018

Recognizable labels for foreign map features
Presenter: Nicki Dlugash, Mapbox
When creating a global, street-level map in a specific language, a challenge arises: how do you label a map feature that doesn't have an already-established name in that language? What alternative information might be helpful to display in lieu of an established name? How might this differ depending on the map task, the type of map feature, and the language in question? Based on ongoing R&D at Mapbox (focusing on English and Chinese maps), this talk will explore a range of alternative label options, including generated names, names in local, similar, or familiar languages, descriptive text, and icons.

Where do we go from here? Designing better mobile maps
Presenter: Leanne Abraham, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Pervasive mobile map usage in the United States marks a distinct departure from prior reliance on static maps to perform tasks related to location. But, mobile maps are not yet well understood. To explore what makes mobile maps unique, I surveyed 224 smartphones to understand how mobile maps are enabled and constrained by their physical and technical environment. Then, I analyzed map design in 100 mobile mapping apps to evaluate how cartographic design conventions are being translated for mobile devices. Finally, I conclude with practical guidelines for how mobile map designers can better utilize this environment for cartography.

Direct Interaction: Narrative Web Maps and Explicit Bias
Presenter: Joe Blankenship, University of Kentucky
Copresenter: Rich Donohue, University of Kentucky - New Maps Plus
The form and function of a web map for users is rooted in the intent of the map creator. Minimizing modes of map interaction guides the cartographer to develop code, language, and design elements. This directs interaction, focusing the map creator’s intent, meaning, and message. Users thereby engage in a dialogue through the map with the creator and the wider audience. Therefore, the dialogue initiates a process of engagement superior to traditional maps that simply foment a statement. We conclude by offering standards for UX/UI design that provide for better legibility, explicit bias, and ethical web map development.

Building the UI for Priestley’s interactive timeline
Presenter: Ben Elan, University of Oregon InfoGraphics Lab
Copresenters: Daniel Rosenberg, University of Oregon Honor's College; Joanna Merson, University of Oregon InfoGraphics Lab; James Meacham, University of Oregon InfoGraphics Lab
Joseph Priestley’s “A New Chart of History” is an incredibly informative historical artifact. However, analyzing and visualizing spatial data without a traditional map can be challenging. When creating an interactive digital version of Priestley’s chart, I used D3 to provide the user with analytical and visual tools to help decode Priestley’s work. I will speak briefly about how I linked the interactivity between the chart, map, and bar graphs and why this combination enhances this historic masterpiece.

Interactive Flow Arrows: Understanding Commuting Statistics with HTML5 Maps
Presenter: Dany Bouchard, CartoVista
How can we best represent flows from an origin to a destination on a web map? From migration to commuting or import/export statistics, displaying flows with arrows is a useful way to communicate movement cartographically. However, this brings many challenges such as overlapping and legibility for example. This presentation will highlight real examples and techniques we used in CartoVista to display flow data while building meaningful thematic analyses. Interactive HTML5 technologies brings a lot more power to the end user; They can create inbound or outbound flows, play with options like stroke width, pattern and colors to represent different data.