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Designing the imagery on image maps – how far can we take it?

ABSTRACT Image maps are a popular cartographic product, as the synthesis of remote sensing imagery with cartographic symbols gives the map an authentic look and feel. Traditionally, the design of image maps considered cartographic symbols only. Recent research shows that the imagery can be designed with the same dedication. Local, object-related radiometric manipulations help highlighting or deemphasizing individual image objects. This helps the map maker to structure imagery objects, besides the symbols, into a visual hierarchy. However, the design capabilities of image objects are limited as the naturalistic look of the imagery has to be maintained. This work examines how many visual levels can be introduced to the imagery. Based on research addressing the variation length of visual variables, the concept transition to imagery is discussed before an empirical study evaluates the boundaries of image map design. The empirical results reveal that the design of image objects is more limited than with cartographic symbols as less than half of the subjects could correctly assign a six-layer visual hierarchy. The results indicate better results for distinguishing less imagery layers, while the study also shows very contrasting assigning performances of test persons.