Research Article
March 2000

Evaluating the Perception of Uncertainty in Alternative Visualization Strategies

Publication: Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization
Volume 37, Number 1

Abstract

Although a number of methods have been proposed for representing uncertainty in spatial information, there has been relatively little testing of how users interpret uncertainty from those methods. Using results of a fuzzy classification of satellite imagery, this study looks at users’ perceptions of a number of different methods for visualization of uncertainty. Both relatively expert and novice users are highly successful at determining classification uncertainty among pixels when shown in greyscale images and histograms, as well as having moderate success with random animations. Viewers considered that although random animation is a good method of showing overall classification uncertainty, greyscale images are a better way to extract specific information. Serial animation was not widely appreciated. In general, the accuracy of answers to specific questions was greatly improved when linked views and ancillary graphic information were available. All the methods examined in this study, in short, were relatively successful, with the exception of serial animation.

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Go to Cartographica
Cartographica: The International Journal for Geographic Information and Geovisualization
Volume 37Number 1March 2000
Pages: 1 - 14

History

Published in print: March 2000
Published online: 19 September 2006

Authors

Affiliations

Steve Blenkinsop
Department of Geography, University of Leicester, UK
Pete Fisher
Department of Geography, University of Leicester, UK
Lucy Bastin
Department of Geography, University of Nottingham, UK
Jo Wood
Department of Information Science, City University, London, UK

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Steve Blenkinsop, Pete Fisher, Lucy Bastin, and Jo Wood
Cartographica 2000 37:1, 1-14

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