Collection "Advances in Geovisualization Evaluation: Methods and Applications" (SpringerNature, Participating journals: Discover Computing - Electronic ISSN 2948-2992 & Discover Imaging - Electronic ISSN 3004-9776)
Maps are abstract representations that aim to effectively and efficiently communicate spatiotemporal information to the users. Different geovisualization methods, including simple or more sophisticated ones, are utilized to represent such information. Nowadays, maps can be static, animated, mobile, and/or interactive, while they are primarily distributed through the internet. At the same time, modern geovisualization also incorporates extended reality (XR) technologies. Undoubtedly, geovisualization may be characterized by a high level of visual and perceived complexity. Hence, it is crucial to establish robust methods towards the evaluation of their usability. Examining how well, how and why different types of geovisualization work mainly involves the implementation of experimental studies that employ behavioral and neuroimaging methods and techniques to measure visual perception and cognition.
This collection aims to collect high-quality original research articles and systematic literature review studies in the field of geovisualization evaluation. We welcome new theories, methods, research frameworks, softwares, scientific datasets, and innovative applications.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
Cartographic design variables evaluation
Experimental data analysis for geovisualization evaluation
Mixed methods in geovisualization evaluation
New methods in geovisualization evaluation
Geovisualization and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Geovisualization software tools
Geovisualization of Big Geospatial Data
Geovisualization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications
Map usability studies
Extended Reality (XR) applications
For submissions to Discover Imaging, we welcome papers that focus on topics such as cartographic design variable evaluation, map usability studies, experimental and mixed-method approaches (including behavioral, eye-tracking, and neuroimaging), extended reality (XR) visualization for geospatial data, and human-computer interaction aspects centered on visual cognition and design.
For Discover Computing, we welcome submissions that emphasize geovisualization software tools and frameworks, handling big geospatial data through scalable architectures and GPU/edge acceleration, computational methods for real-time rendering and uncertainty encoding, XR integration from a systems perspective, and AI-driven applications for adaptive visualization and usability prediction.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 4, SDG 9 and SDG 11.
Keywords: Eye-Tracking; Geovisualization; Geovisualization Applications; Map Evaluation; Map Usability; Map Interaction; Methods; Tools & Datasets; Neuroimaging.
Guest Editors:
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 09 October 2026