Integrative Information Design Towards An Innovative Thematic Atlas Model

The requirements for compiling thematic maps(atlas)originate from some people's curiosity and focus on a particular social or natural phenomenon and thematic topics related departments,research institutions or map designers often play a role of the initiator in that.In the era of innovation,map products need to face more diverse user groups,and in particular,to take into account the reading requirements of non-professional users.In addition,with the continuous optimization of new technologies,such as scientific observation and human behavior perception records,the data has been greatly enriched,which makes the booming development of thematic Atlas with different topics and characteristics.But in the aspects of information design,the innovation of the visual effects is lagging behind,and the information visualization design of most atlas still follow a classic traditional model.The value of the atlas is more reflected on informative,with the relatively conservative information symbolic approach.In the context of the above mentioned,this paper explores the optimization methods of information design for statistical thematic Atlas,in order to respond to the information integration demands on abundant thematic information design within the limited carrier space.Which causes map works break through the traditional expression forms,turn to aesthetics and science,giving consideration to both expression and function,and also convey key features of the scientific content of the different types of user groups through a way of reflecting the modern beauty and using innovative spirit.The cartographer implements the tailor-made services for thematic information expressions,successfully break through the bottleneck of many similarities among cartography products.Thus,further realizing the functional evolution of the thematic atlas,from data graphical database to Information service and knowledge transfer terminals,and also make the thematic atlas become a more competitive spatial-temporal information media in the new era.This paper firstly summarized the domestic and international outstanding atlas project and own practice experience,proposed a series of information integration strategies from the aspects of content and organizational structure,function and expression,design style and visual elements of the thematic atlas.Secondly,in order to make the proposed strategies work in coordination,this paper also puts forward the general procedure of the integration strategy when compiling thematic atlas.Finally,taking the tropical cyclones over the western north Pacific as an example,using the above spatial-temporal information integration strategy,designed and compiled a statistical thematic atlas under printing environment,which titled 'Climatological Atlas of Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific(1981-2010)'.The thematic data of the atlas are provided by the Shanghai Typhoon Institute,China Meteorological Administration.It verified the applicability and effectiveness of the spatio-temporal information integration strategy in the compilation of an innovative thematic atlas.