Pattern Perception and Map Design

digital-media@rgu
Pattern perception and map design

what are we
looking at?
Gestalts Laws
Representing vector fields
perceptual syntax of diagrams
visual grammar of maps

Three stage
model of
perception

Proximity
Similarity
connectedness
continuity
symmetry
closure
relative size
common fate8simple
Rules

Place symbols and glyphs representing
related information close together

When designing a grid layout of a data set,
consider coding rows and/or columns using
low-level visual channel properties, such as
colour and texture.

To show relationships between entities,
consider linking graphical representations of
data objects using lines or ribbons of color.

Consider using symmetry to make pattern
comparisons easier

Consider putting related information inside
a closed contour.
A line is adequate for regions having a
simple shape.
Colour or texture can be used to deﬁne
regions that have more complex shapes.

To deﬁne multiple overlapping regions,
consider using a combination of line
contour, colour, texture, and Cornsweet
contours.

Use a combination of closure, common
region, and layout to ensure that data
entities are represented by graphical
patterns that will be perceived as ﬁgures,
not ground.

Representing Vector Fields: 
Perceiving Orientation and Direction

magnitude orientation direction

Showing direction with brush strokes

To represent flow direction in a vector field visualization, use
streamlets with heads that are more distinct than tails, based on
luminance contrast.
A streamlet is a glyph that is elongated along a streamline and which
induces a strong response in neurons sensitive to orientations
tangential to the flow.

For vector ﬁeld visualizations, use more
distinct graphical elements to show greater
ﬁeld strength or speed. They can be wider,
longer, more contrasting, or faster moving.

When developing glyphs, use small, closed shapes to represent data
entities, and use the color, shape, and size of those shapes to
represent attributes of those entities.

Use connecting lines, enclosure, grouping, and attachment to
represent relationships between entities. The shape, color, and
thickness of lines and enclosures can represent the types of
relationships.

As an alternative to arrows to represent directed relationships in
diagrams, consider using tapered lines with the broadest end at the
source node.

Use closed contours, areas of texture, or areas of color to denote
geographic regions. Use color, texture, or boundary style to denote the
type of region.

Use lines to represent paths and linear geographic features. Use line
color and style to represent the type of linear feature.

Use small, closed shapes to represent point entities, such as cities, that
appear small on a map. Use color, shape, and size to represent
attributes of these entities.

what did we
look at?
Gestalts Laws
Representing vector fields
perceptual syntax of diagrams
visual grammar of maps

Pattern Perception and Map Design

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