Cognitive Models of Dynamic Phenomena and Their Representations
 

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CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

Note:  Call closed July 10, 1998

Cognitive Models Of Dynamic Phenomena And Their Representations
A Varenius Workshop

October 29 - 31, 1998
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Initiative Leaders:
  Stephen Hirtle, School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
  Alan MacEachren, Dept. of Geography, Pennsylvania State University

Steering Committee:
  Tommy Gärling, Dept. of Psychology, Goteborg University, Sweden
  Georges Grinstein, Institute for Visualization and Perception Research,  University of Massachusetts Lowell
  Mary Kaiser, NASA-Ames Research Center
  Terry Slocum, Dept. of Geography, University of Kansas
  Michael Worboys, Dept. of Computer Science, Keele University, UK

The ability to manipulate, store, and interpret information about changing environments is a critical skill for human survival, and also is very important for geographic information science. Models of the cognitive aspects of dynamic spatial representations are necessary for understanding temporal and spatial changes in environments, for the manipulation of temporal geographic data, and for navigation through changing environments.
Furthermore, the use of representational codes may be dependent on the context of the problem, with different entity types resulting in the adoption of different spatial metaphors for reasoning and understanding.
For example, an advancing forest fire may be thought of as a moving entity of changing shape and size, even though there is no real motion or growth, but rather a change in attributes at fixed locations. Other examples of dynamic geographic processes include navigation through changed environments, diffusion of diseases, and much slower processes such as glaciations, or continental drift and plate tectonics.

At a database level, we are concerned with issues such as forming discrete representations of continuous phenomena or continuous representations of discrete phenomena. Cartographically, the emphasis is on animation, but many methods have been used to show temporal phenomena in static maps. The use of dynamic and manipulable interfaces also must be investigated within the same conceptual framework used for observing dynamic phenomena in the real world.

This initiative takes a dual and parallel look at dynamic phenomena in geographic space itself, and at their representations in dynamic displays of geographic information. If research finds that there are systematic differences in human cognitive responses to various kinds of change and motion in geographic space, then different representations may be appropriate for the different situations. If different kinds of computer displays also trigger different kinds of human memory, reasoning, or decision-making, then the match between cognitive models for the phenomenon being represented and those for the display methods will influence how intuitive and usable the display will be.

The purpose of the workshop is to identify and prioritize a research agenda for the topic.  The structure of the meeting will be a combination of plenary sessions to identify and debate major issues and directions, and small-group discussions about more specific topics. Partial or full support for lodging and travel to the meeting may be available to participants.

Participation in the workshop will be limited to 25-35 people, and will be by invitation only.  Proposals to participate in the workshop should consist of three parts:

1. A brief indication of why you want to participate in the meeting, why you are interested, and/or what you would contribute (1 page);
2. A position statement or research abstract, describing a particular element of or perspective on the topic (3 pages); and
3. A brief curriculum vitae with up to five (5) selected publications most relevant to the topic (1 page).

All submissions will be reviewed by initiative co-leaders and the steering committee.  Proposals may be sent via email to hirtle+@pitt.edu in HTML (preferred), ASCII or Word format, faxed to him at (412) 624-2788, or sent via regular mail or courier service to Dr. Stephen C. Hirtle, School of Information Sciences, 135 N. Bellefield Ave., University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA.

Proposals must be received by 10 July 1998 to ensure consideration.