The increasing popularity of interactive and dynamic maps, in particular in web-based and mobile applications, causes a growing need for new cartographic visualization algorithms in this scenario. Depending on the chosen map frame the optimal representation of the corresponding map content changes. But as the user interacts with the map, the visualization of the content must change continuously over time in order to preserve the context. This young investigator group (YIG) studies algorithms for continuous generalization and map labeling.
A second field of interest is to automatically generate user-specific and thematic maps, in particular schematic maps. Schematic maps are a means to reduce the visual complexity of a map in order to increase its readability - as long as the intended map use allows. Popular examples are route sketches or public transportation maps.
We study cartographic visualization problems using a structured algorithmic approach in order to design algorithms with provable performance and quality guarantees. These theoretic guarantees will then be experimentally evaluated in practice.
The YIG is located at the Institute of Theoretical Informatics, Chair for Algorithmics I.
