Synthesizing Results in Geovisualization

The transition from geovisual analysis to presentation involves an intermediate stage called synthesis. In this stage of analysis, analysts collect and combine results to generalize their discoveries. Despite its presence in most theories of geovisualization design, synthesis is a topic that has remained largely unexplored in geovisualization research. This paper examines the use of synthesis in geovisualization theory and the definitions that have been used to describe it as a stage of analytical work. Several potential interface metaphors are proposed for supporting synthesis. These designs are inspired by tools and techniques that are commonly used by analysts outside of current geovisualization environments. Finally, a set of key research questions are suggested for future work to understand and characterize geovisual synthesis.