When we combine maps with tables and statistical
charts, we can relate these to make new discoveries. Maps are natural aids to the
knowledge discovery process. In the context of spatial data exploration, maps do
more than just make the data visible, they are active instruments to support the end
user thinking process. Using maps for geographic knowledge discovery requires less
00 B?©dard, Rivest, & Proulx
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abstraction efforts for users, which in turn, increases their efficiency. Maps show
information that would not be visible from nonspatial data for those phenomena
having a spatial distribution that does not correspond to predefined boundaries (e.g.,
administrative boundaries). Numerous studies in cognitive sciences have shown
the superiority of images over numbers and words to stimulate understanding and
memory (Buzan & Buzan, 2003; Fortin & Rousseau, 1989; Standing, 1973), leading
to a more efficient knowledge discovery process (more alert brain, better visual
rhythm, more global perception).
Marrying.OLAP.with.GIS
Geographic information systems (GIS) are very good at achieving the goal they
have been developed for, that is, gathering, storing, manipulating and displaying
spatial data (see Longley, Goodchild, Maguire, & Rhind, 2001).
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