Assessing the Usability and Suitability of Area Mapping Tools for Capturing Spatial Perception and Knowledge

Autor(en)

Mariana Vallejo Velazquez, Ourania Kounadi, Andrea Pődör

Abstrakt

Geo-questionnaires enable participants to contribute spatial data through structured digital sketch maps, typically by mapping features on basemap platforms. While they offer a method for capturing Spatial Perception and Knowledge (SPK), they can pose usability challenges, particularly for users unfamiliar with digital mapping tools, especially when sketching polygon features. This study explores alternative tools for collecting wide-view SPK by evaluating how users interact with area-based sketching tasks. Four mapping tools were assessed: Polygon Tool, Spraycan, Marker, and a selection-based tool, HexMapper. The usability test employed a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative metrics with qualitative feedback. Overall participants responded positively to all four tools. The Spraycan received the highest usability rating across large and small screen devices, followed by the Marker. HexMapper was praised for its intuitive, click-based selection method. Although the Polygon Tool was rated as the most difficult to use, it was valued for its clear delineation of features.

Organisation(en)

Institut für Geographie und Regionalforschung

Externe Organisation(en)

Óbuda University

Journal

The Cartographic Journal

Band

62

ISSN

0008-7041

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/00087041.2025.2592376

Publikationsdatum

12-2025

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ÖFOS 2012

507003 Geoinformatik, 507001 Angewandte Geographie, 505008 Kriminologie

Schlagwörter

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Earth-Surface Processes

Link zum Portal

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/2befcbdd-9658-47d6-8638-49c20093f26b