A system for guiding and training users in the visualization of geographic data

Geographics Information Systems offer numerous visualization techniques but they do not contain the knowledge necessary to use them effectively. This paper describes VIZARD, an intelligent system for guiding and training GIS users in data visualization. The aim of this system is to close the knowledge gap in current GIS visualization software, i.e., the disparity between rich functionality and poor knowledge content. VIZARD designs effective visualizations of spatially-related data sets, using a knowledge-based methodology. It offers users the possibility to browse through various visualizations of the data set, selct appropriate ones and also adapt them to specific requirements ba editing their features. A specific data set and what factors influence its effectiveness favorably or unfavorably. Explanation texts contain hyperlinks to related chapters of an on-line tutorial, supporting learning on demand and problem-oriented learning about visualization techniques and visualization meth odology for GIS.