Interface design for spatial data visualization : a web-based integrated multimedia approach for the Tren Urbano project

Abstract

The thesis focuses on the uses of information design to enhance Technology Transfer among professionals, staff and students involved in the Tren Urbano Project, a rapid transit system for San Juan, Puerto Rico. Graphical representation of data such as images, motion video, audio, and hypertext in a distributed web-based environment can help people to understand the complex issues surrounding a transportation planning process and help to facilitate transfer of skills and knowledge between professionals, students and faculty. As part of this process, a web-based, integrated spatial multimedia system was developed to provide the project participants with an online spatial resource center that can be expanded in the future to accurately document the construction process and spatial characteristics of the proposed train alignment in Puerto Rico. The thesis describes the approaches and challenges of constructing a spatial information infrastructure in a distributed, multi-platform, web-based environment. Furthermore, it illustrates the implementation and evaluation strategies used in the project. The implementation strategy included distribution of CDs to the various parties while evaluation strategies consisted of user responses from interviews and surveys.