In geospatial technologies, usability engineering is used to deliberate on the patterns within data sets while also proposing possible hypothesis through which such patterns came to exist. Usability engineering is in itself an analytical tool for studying complex geographical data with the aim of understanding the reasons behind the existence of specific geographical systems. Usability engineering is largely concerned with the application of computer systems with the aim of enhancing the analysis of complex geospatial datasets. It also seeks to improve the human-computer interactive platforms to ensure that the reliability of the decoded information and simulate possible situations that could arise in the implementation of specific decisions. In this regard, the usability engineering aims at enhancing the effectiveness of the decisions that are adopted to address specific issues as regards to the often complex geographical data and information that experts have to analyze from time to time.
Geovisualization has arisen to be an important tool for addressing some of the most persistent geographical issues and challenges (Aoidh, Martinsohn, Maes, Cariani, & Nielsen, 2012). Apparently, geovisualization involves the recording of complex data sets into easy to decode patterns to enhance the attainment of decisions on what needs to be done to address specific geographical issues. A relatively new field of geographical study, geovisualization has been a subject of research in recent years to ascertain the best way in which its concepts could be applied in solving the apparently many geographical issues and challenges that the modern world is facing. Therefore, the current section will analyze the various research and practice that have incorporated the concepts of geovisualization in their undertaking.
Currently, geovisualization concepts have been incorporated into the ongoing push to fighting wild land fires. The concepts of the topic utilize the varied patterns of the analyzed data sets to determine the most effective techniques and interventions that could help in the fight against wild land fires. Using usability engineering technologies and complex computer systems, experts are using geovisualization concepts to fight wild land fires that have been inducing huge losses of both natural and man-made resources in many habitable regions across the world. Recent years have also seen geovisualization concepts incorporated into the study of various archeological topics.
Experts are using highly innovative strategies following extensive data analysis to identify archeological sites. Besides, such innovative techniques are also employed in identifying various ways of analyzing archeological artefacts, thereby improving the understanding of the past of the world. Future geovisualization studies should be dedicated to identifying the ways through which its concept can enhance urban planning. Apparently, most urban centers are facing a myriad of challenges due to poor designs and planning. Effectively, geovisualization concepts can enhance the ability to enhance proper designs and mapping of future urban centers to ensure the current urban center challenges are not replicated in future cities.
The first framework that can be used in usability evaluations in the field of geovisualization is that of analyzing representational users. The framework uses representational computer systems to study various sets of geographical data. Apparent, the representational user framework relies on analytical methods in the study of the data sets that they seek to study. The second framework that could be used in usability evaluation is the real user analysis. The framework relies on real computer systems to study data related to real users who are put under various study and research exercises. The second framework relies on user specific analysis like the administration of questionnaires and surveys to develop specific data for analysis. The real user analysis framework also employs the much more effective observational methods and experimentation to develop effective geovisualization interventions. Adaptive and Darwinist methodologies could also be used in the usability evaluations. The former relies on systems that adjust themselves as per the demands of the usability evaluation exercise while the latter relies on external forces to bring about changes that will fit within the usability evaluation approaches.
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) could be improved through the following recommendation. First, the user interface of the computer systems should be improved and made easy to understand. Apparently, usability evaluations rely on complex computer systems that must be understood so that better results are attained. Therefore, it is imperative that better and easy to use interfaces are used in the systems to guarantee better geovisualization concepts through the usability evaluation undertakings. The second recommendation is to educate and encourage further learning so that the experts employed to investigate usability tests are well-versed to study the current and futuristic concepts in the topic. Apparently, not many people understand the concept of usability evaluation and geovisualization; so, encouraging educational forums could go a long way to enhance the comprehension of the facts and the lessons that are involved in that field. Clearly, HCI is emerging to be a better tool and approach to studying geographical data sets with the aim of providing solutions to persistent challenges. Therefore, urgent measures should be directed at identifying the most effective ways to improving HCI evaluations.
References
Aoidh, E., Martinsohn, J., Maes, G., Cariani, A., & Nielsen, E. (2012). Exploring geovisualization symbology for landscape genetics. Transactions in GIS, 17(2), 267-281. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9671.2012.01349.x
