Synthesis in Geovisualization to Support Epidemiology

Dynamic, multi-representational geovisualization tools are enabling geographers to explore and analyze multivariate spatial data to answer complicated geographic questions. The theoretical approach that has spurred geovisualization development describes geovisual analysis as a process that begins with data exploration, continues to analysis, transitions into synthesis of results, and finishes with presentation of findings. This approach calls for specialized tools to support each stage that allow users to work across stages in a non-linear manner. The research I propose focuses on understanding and characterizing the process of result synthesis, developing an approach to apply that understanding to design of synthesis support tools, implementing prototype tools, and testing those prototypes. Geovisualization tools now rely on simple methods to capture maps and graphics to facilitate result synthesis. Users typically synthesize discoveries using other tools, typically with word processing or presentation software, a practice that significantly limits their ability to reach back to previous analyses to continue work, collaborate with others, or compare incoming information to past discoveries.