Buchroithner, Manfred 
  
Only the establishment of digital techniques, which opens new possibilities for the visualisation, directed the 
tension also to the cognitive factors and, subsequently, they were better taken into account for the understanding 
of the communication process and, last but not least, the map design (Peterson, 1994). > 
Hence, in the scope of this paper some of the cartographic, theoretical and also cognitive aspects will be 
discussed in the context of 3D-display techniques, as the authors want to stress the importance of cartographic 
theory. Systematic analysis is at least a basis to avoid sensationalism and aimless application of the 3D- 
techniques. 
2 PURPOSES OF 3D TECHNIQUES 
3D-techniques have received considerable attention in the past. Research in this issue is motivated by the wide 
potential areas of application. Besides the application in the various scientific fields, 3D-display techniques are 
going to be adapted in the so-called user-oriented field of application including mainly those outdoor activities 
where the third dimension plays a particular role (hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, ski mountaineering, 
hanggliding, paragliding, etc.). 
3 CARTOGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION PROCESS 
For this user-oriented purpose different techniques are used according to their individual features. 
The concepts of a special rating system have to be connected to the communication process. 
The cartographic communication process (Figure 1) showing just the mainpart of the whole process represents 
the postulation of W. Witt (Witt 1979) as well as (as a result of it) the position of the cartographer in the process: 
Witt postulated for the interdisciplinary view of the cartographic communication process that the analytical- 
researchlogistic aspects have to be concerted with the social-psychological requirements, for a noise-free 
communication process. This allows the closing of the cartographic communication process. An optimised 
cartographic information transmission can only take place if the cartographer understands the behaviour of 
his/her target groups, which he/she wants to reach with his/her products, and if he/she bases his/her work on this 
understanding. 
  
  
100 
  
     
  
    
   
  
       
   
Predetermined 
Type of Information 
A 
4. Task-related 
Predetermined 
Type of Information 
Understanding 
Cartographer 
Concept and Design: Sabine Kirschenbauer 
Figure 1. Cartographic Communication Process 
User 
  
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B5. Amsterdam 2000.