Item: Holistic Geographical Visualization of Spatial Data with Applications in Avalanche Forecasting
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Title: Holistic Geographical Visualization of Spatial Data with Applications in Avalanche Forecasting
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado
Authors:
- Phoebe B. McNeally [ Dept. of Geography, University of Utah ]
- Harvey J. Miller [ Dept. of Geography, University of Utah ]
Date: 2006
Abstract: Avalanche forecasters face ever increasing pressure to make more informed decisions and accurate predictions. Decisions often are made very quickly and face criticism from many different parties. Therefore, forecasters need a means to synthesize data efficiently and effectively. The development of a better support system for decision makers and avalanche forecasters by incorporating new methodology into time honored and proven methods is the goal of this research. With the vast amount of data being produced, visualization is an improved and effective method for organizing, analyzing, and communicating complex data. This finding is supported by studies showing that the human mind assimilates complex information better when displayed graphically versus text-based or numerical representations. Effective visualization is presented in a manner that is consistent with the cognitive, perceptual, and response-based mental representations of the user. This research develops a new method to visualize multiple spatial data sets that are factors in determining snow pack stability in an intelligible holistic form that maintains the contribution of each data set. The spatial visualization model synthesizes multiple qualitative and quantitative spatial data sets into a single, clear, more comprehensible representation without losing important information. The visualization method allows the user to drill down deeper or drill up to analyze individual data sets. In addition, a comparison technique is developed to compare a set of chosen parameters with historic data in order to determine similar historic analogs. The result is an intuitive software program that allows users to analyze multiple complex datasets through a graphical user interface. The success of this visualization model is based upon whether it provides any benefit to the avalanche forecasting process.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: geographic visualization, avalanche forecasting, spatial decision support system
Page Number(s): 478-482
Subjects: avalanche forecasting geographical visualization spatial decision support system
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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