Small Symbols With Big Effect? – A Cognitive-Affective Perspective on Map Symbolization on Small-Sized Displays

Abstract

Maps have become ubiquitous, ever smaller, and simpler. With this, the way we engage with maps has also changed: from deliberate, cognitively effortful processing of complex maps to fast, associative, intuitive map reading of maps of daily, quick use. Smaller displays and the simplification of maps together with the ubiquitous but incidental engagement towards them re-calls for research on visual semiotics targeted to assess the impact of map design on small displays. This research, therefore, focuses on intuitive information processing of maps, in which judgments and decisions are made automatically, rapidly, and associatively. Findings from qualitative and quantitative user studies will be discussed, targeted at exploring the effects of map symbolization on small-sized displays on map users’ responses of cognition and affect.