資訊圖像於地圖設計之應用

Abstract

隨著資訊科技快速演進，圖像傳播形式更加普遍，且內容更加廣泛。資訊圖像（information graphics；或稱資訊圖，infographics）的概念，在於探討數據、訊息與知識的表現形式與手法，利用簡單清楚的圖形傳遞概念。目前在媒體或網路社群最為常見，強調以圖為主的資訊傳播方式。資訊圖像是經過資料的選擇與組織，並以視覺化的方式揭示，強調清晰精準的視覺傳達效果，使讀者能快速掌握資料特性。於此同時，空間資訊的生產與傳播數量也急遽成長，如何有效傳遞這些空間資訊成為一項重要課題。傳統地圖表現結合資訊圖像概念，便成為新的趨勢。 本研究整理資訊圖像之概念及地圖設計原則，檢視兩者之異同，並探討資訊圖像概念如何融入地圖設計。本研究採內容分析法與文本分析法，以Google 搜尋引擎擷取50張代表性的資訊圖像地圖，據以歸納分析其中的設計要素，從視覺化變數著眼，總結當前資訊圖像地圖設計者著重的元素及其特點。研究結果顯示，資訊圖像地圖的主要視覺變數以色彩、形狀、大小等為主，較少採用次級視覺變數。符號設計也從過去簡化方法常用的幾何化、抽象化，逐漸改為較具體直覺的形式。希冀本研究所整理的原則，能提供未來網路及媒體地圖設計之參考，以更有效地展現空間資訊。

With the progress of the mapping skill and the development of the information technology, graphical display has become more common. Information graphics （or Infographics） is to represent data, information and knowledge, illustrating simple graphics to express one or multiple concepts. Infographics is now wildly used in mass media and the Internet communities. Information graphics is to select and transform data into visualized graphics. And these graphics can communicate with complex ideas in the clear, precise, and effective ways. In this circumstance, spatial information grows rapidly. How to disseminate spatial data with efficiency became a crucial issue. This paper aims to introduce the concept of Infographics and its application in Cartography and map design. This study integrates the concept of Infographics and the design principle of Cartography. Using content analysis and textual analysis two approaches, investigate 50 Infographics maps from Google image search. To summarize the distinguishing feature of their design variables. Infographics maps now primarily use visual attributes such as color, shape and size. The use of symbol has become more specific and concrete. Combined with the concept of geo-visualization and the visual experience that Infographics provided, a map can be richer in information and be more interesting. Readers can see patterns of the data more efficiently.