2004 UC Proceedings Abstract

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Envisioning Neighborhoods: GIS Information Design to Facilitate Understanding Places
Track: New Technology and System Integration
Author(s): Earl Bossard, David Roemer

A cacophony of place data is a by-product of the digital information revolution that cries out for a sense of order so that the world's increasingly networked resources can be better utilized to understand neighborhoods and other places. This paper presents information design techniques for area analysis building on "Envisioning Neighborhoods" concepts by Bossard and principles developed by Tufte. It introduces systematically organized layouts, called schema, of small replicate GIS maps, charts, and photos to facilitate comparisons across space, scale, time, and conditions because data is best understood in a comparative context. Schema are the basis of computer templates which synthesize data downloaded from the world's networks into logically arranged layouts which facilitate understanding by using vision to think, enabling persons to use their powerful but often underutilized abilities to recognize patterns and anomalies as they compare and contrast sets of small multiple GIS maps, charts, and photos.

Earl Bossard
San Jose State University
Urban and Regional Planning
401 Del Oro Ave.
Davis , CA 95616-0418
US
Phone: 5307581602
Fax: 408-924-5872
E-mail: bossard3@pacbell.net

David Roemer
San Jose State University
Urban and Regional Planning
WSQ 216
San Jose , CA 95192-0185
US
Phone: 408-924-5882
E-mail: david_roemer@earthlink.net