Exploratory cartographic visualization: Advancing the agenda

An approach to the visualization of georeferenced data is presented. This approach is rooted in cartography and emphasizes the use of visual methods in research and decision making. Several definitions proposed within cartography are considered and the links between ''cartographic'' visualization and scientific visualization more generally are discussed. From this base, a perspective on visualization is articulated in which attention is directed to the goals for use of maps and related georeferenced displays. We argue that a use-based approach is needed in order to develop information processing environments appropriate to distinct stages of scientific research and decision making. The paper concludes by proposing a set of research problems that are prompted by taking a use-based approach to visualization, and then outlining the selection and context of the papers in this special issue. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.