focht's library 19 articles

Abstract

Route guidance systems in vehicles has started to use an oblique, slanted view of the map, mimicking something of the egocentric perspective the driver sees through the windscreen. Is this an effective strategy? What is the most effective map design to convey route guidance to drivers, and how can this be measured? In an experiment with four different modes of map displays the speed of decision making and accuracy of navigation have been tested. The four map types were: the traditional ...

Abstract

Given increasing calls for children and young people to participate via the Internet in civic and political activities), this article examines how far, and with what success, such participation is occurring among UK teenagers. Findings from a national survey conducted by the UK Children Go Online project show that young people are using the Internet for a wide range of activities that could be considered ‘participation', including communicating, peer-to-peer connection, seeking information, interactivity, webpage/content creation and visiting civic/political websites. The findings ...

Abstract

Programs for the delivery of public goods and services are often more effective if the public participates in their planning and execution. Not all such activities benefit from public participation, however. Activities whose effectiveness most benefits from such participation are those whose local effects are variable; those that have to be made frequently but not routinely; those that require quick responses from the public; and those whose impact calls for major changes in the behavior of the public. Experience with irrigation ...

Abstract

Users have become an integral part of technology studies. The essays in this volume look at the creative capacity of users to shape technology in all phases, from design to implementation. Using a variety of theoretical approaches, including a feminist focus on users and use (in place of the traditional emphasis on men and machines), concepts from semiotics, and the cultural studies view of consumption as a cultural activity, these essays examine what users do with technology and, in turn, what ...

Abstract

Learning effectiveness depends on a large range of parameters. Learners" activity has an important impact on long-term learning and comprehension of difficult concepts [1]. Collaboration is also an important parameter for learning efficiency. Collaboration does not work per se [2]; an appropriate Script is a capital factor for succeeding. We will describe our engagement in scripting advises based on the use of a Wiki. The creation of a hypertext is an integrative part of our collaborative script. A Wiki is a ...

Abstract

E-Learning, which is technology-enhanced learning proved to have potential for adding value to education. Recently, with the shift of the World Wide Web to a more interactive web through the introduction of social software, the term E-Learning 2.0 was coined, indicating that the potential influence of social software on E-Learning has been recognized. This paper investigates the potential of integrating a wiki into an E-Learning module and the impact this integration can have on self-directed, collaborative and responsible learning in an ...

Abstract

In this article we examine the integration of communities of practice supported by a wiki into work processes. Linear structures are often inappropriate for the execution of knowledge-intensive tasks and work processes. The latter are characterized by non-linear sequences and dynamic social interaction. Communities of practice, however, often lack the "guiding light" needed to structure their work. We discuss the primary requirements for the integration of formally described knowledge-intensive ... ...

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Online communities have something in common: their success rise and fall with the participation rate of active users. In this paper we focus on social rewarding mechanisms that generate benefits for users in order to achieve a higher contribution rate in a wiki system. In an online community, social rewarding is in the majority of cases based on accentuation of the most active members. As money cannot be used as a motivating factor others like status, power, acceptance, and glory have ...

Abstract

We integrate theory and research from disparate areas to develop a comprehensive expectancy model of work motivation. Within our model, we: (1) consolidate the motivation, leadership, and personality literatures; (2) effectively incorporate the self-concept and personalities of leaders and followers; (3) provide an expanded view of the dynamics surrounding the concept of effort; (4) specify dyadic temperament congruence as a critical source of goal-directed behavior, and (5) offer a more realistic depiction of the implications of satisfaction and perceived equity. 10.1177/107179190401000405 ...

Abstract

The current state of motivation theory is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the internal, unobservable aspects of motivation and the distinction between motivation and behavior and performance. Major theories of motivation concerned with the arousal and choice of behavior are examined, problems of implementation are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested. They include study of the circumstances under which any given motivational theory is most effective. The long-run objective should be a contingency type model of motivation. ...

Abstract

Navigation services (e.g., in-car navigation systems and online mapping sites) compute routes between two locations to help users navigate. However, these routes may direct users along an unfamiliar path when a familiar path exists, or, conversely, may include redundant information that the user already knows. These overly complicated directions increase the cognitive load of the user, which may lead to a dangerous driving environment. Since the level of detail is user specific and depends on their familiarity with a region, routes ...

Abstract

We present an approach to modeling human interpretation of (real) geographic maps. While in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) the limitations for describing geographic knowledge mainly stem from the limitations of this knowledge itself, paper maps pose additional constraints on the representation of spatial configurations. We examine maps as representation media with respect to cartographic restrictions involved in the map making process. Some cognitive factors of cartographic generalization are indicated. We present our aspect map approach allowing for describing maps formally as ...

Abstract

Geographic visualizations always played an important role in human history, especially in the earth sciences, long before computer visualizations became popular. The earliest examples of geographic visualization even date back to the stone age with map-like wall paintings depicting the surroundings of our ancestors. Since then cartography, the art and science of map-making, has evolved continuously until today. This is why computer-based geographic visualization can build upon a large base of established cartographic knowledge. Well-known examples of static visualizations beyond geographic ...

Abstract

Abstract  In recent months there has been an explosion of interest in using the Web to create, assemble, and disseminate geographic information provided voluntarily by individuals. Sites such as Wikimapia and OpenStreetMap are empowering citizens to create a global patchwork of geographic information, while Google Earth and other virtual globes are encouraging volunteers to develop interesting applications using their own data. I review this phenomenon, and examine associated issues: what drives people to do this, how accurate are the results, will they ...

Abstract

We address the problem of filtering, selecting and placing labels on a dynamic map, which is characterized by continuous zooming and panning capabilities. This consists of two interrelated issues. The first is to avoid label popping and other artifacts that cause confusion and interrupt navigation, and the second is to label at interactive speed. In most formulations the static map labeling problem is NP-hard, and a fast approximation might have O(n log n) complexity. Even this is too slow during interaction, ...

Abstract

Now available in paperback for the first time, this classic work presents a cognitive-semiotic framework for understanding how maps work as powerful, abstract, and synthetic spatial representations. Explored are the ways in which the many representational choices inherent in mapping interact with information processing and knowledge construction, and how the resulting insights can be used to make informed symbolization and design decisions. A new preface to the paperback edition situates the book within the context of contemporary technologies. As the nature ...

Abstract

'Geographical information science' is not merely a technical subject but also poses theoretical questions on the nature of geographic representation and whether there exist limits on the ability of GI systems to deal with certain objects and issues. This book presents the debate surrounding technical GIS and theory of representation from an 'inside' GIS perspective. Chapters are authored by leading researchers from a range of fields including geographers, planners, ecologists and computer scientists from Europe and ...