Rendering and presentation of spatial data

Much of computer graphics remains in the domain of the specialist since it requires an uncommon set of skills, both artistic and technical. The digital designer must possess a natural aptitude for artistic aspects such as composition, colour, and visual flow, and also engage in esoteric technical tasks such as object transformations or non-linear manipulations. Yet, even for those with the requisite skill sets, many tasks remain complex and labour-intensive. The overarching theme of this research is therefore to reduce the complexity of graphical applications through semi-automation and the incorporation of aesthetic constraints, thereby facilitating the democratization of computer graphics. Within this broader context, the proposed research will allow those working with spatial data, who may not possess artistic training, to semi-automatically create dynamic renderings of their data. The past decade has seen a vast increase in the use of spatial data for analysis, research, planning and popular use. This work will therefore be important as a facilitation of spatially-based knowledge to the broader public for decision making, education, and engagement. Public communication is critical for many industrial and academic projects. For example, if one examines online materials available for large research projects, one finds that the primary vehicle of communication to the public is visual illustration, animation and images. It is the automation of such visual presentations that motivates this research. Through automation, allocated budgets for visual media production could be reduced, and for smaller scale projects that lack such budgets, automation would enable the production of such materials. To achieve these goals, I aim to design and develop algorithms for the simulation of illustrative rendering styles, for the presentation and enhancement of spatial datasets.