Informative cartographic communication: a framework to evaluate the effects of map types on users' interpretation of COVID-19 geovisualizations

The dynamic and rapid spread of COVID-19 presented a challenge in explaining complex issues to uninformed members of society. Although the conveying of this information was dependent on web maps, few studies have focused on the effectiveness of these maps for informing the general public. This study employs the map usability literature to define three map design dimensions: (1) clarity, (2) understanding, and (3) accuracy. Using these dimensions, we developed a framework for categorizing geovisualizations into scientific, rhetorical, and informative maps based on their purpose. We analyzed four examples of COVID-19 geovisualizations under this framework and conducted an online survey to evaluate their interpretation by users. Only 10% to 60% of users understood each map correctly and poor design practices significantly affected the user interpretation of the maps. The degrees of understanding conformed to our framework. Scientific maps were ambiguous owing to their complexity and the over-emphasis on map cartographic accuracy, whereas informative maps that balance accuracy, clarity, and understanding were more interpretable. Meanwhile, no rhetorical COVID-19 dashboards were included in our sample. We demonstrated that one map cannot provide a complete and comprehensive overview. Therefore, our framework calls for the conscious design of different types of maps to convey the different shades of cartographic reality.

Automated summary

This study used the literature on map usability to define three dimensions of map design: clarity, understanding, and accuracy. Based on these dimensions, a framework was developed to categorize geovisualizations into scientific, rhetorical, and informative maps. Four examples of COVID-19 geovisualizations were analyzed using this framework, and an online survey was conducted to evaluate user interpretation. Only 10% to 60% of users correctly understood each map, and poor design significantly affected interpretation. The degrees of understanding aligned with the framework, as scientific maps were unclear due to complexity and over-emphasis on cartographic accuracy, while informative maps that balanced accuracy, clarity, and understanding were more interpretable. No rhetorical COVID-19 dashboards were included in the sample. The study highlights the need for conscious design of different types of maps to convey the various aspects of cartographic reality.