A Framework of Pan-maps: facilitating a unification of Maps and Map-likes

Abstract. Several new forms of maps and map-likes visualization have emerged owing to the advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). However, the current cartographic theories are insufficient to guide and support the applications of these new forms of maps and map-likes visualization. Specifically, these forms overstep the cartographic framework and challenge the cartographic theory. In this study, we term these new geovisualisation forms as Pan-maps, thereby proposing a framework to visualize Pan-maps based on time, space, attribute, and user variables. These variables can be divided into basic and compound variables, and a hierarchy among basic and compound variables using their interrelated composition relationships is established. Furthermore, we taken AR map as case study to verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The proposed framework is anticipated to provide theoretical and practical support for Pan-maps design and promote cartography development in the ICT era.