User-Centred Design of Multidisciplinary Spatial Data Platforms for Human-History Research

Bibliographic Data

ID22032786
AuthorsMeeli Roose (0000-0003-2776-9883, University of Turku, corresponding author), Tua Nylén (0000-0002-1261-7214, University of Helsinki), Harri Tolvanen (0000-0002-9101-4840, University of Turku), Outi Vesakoski (0000-0002-7220-3347, University of Turku)
Year2021
Volume10
Issue7
Pages467
Publication date2021-07-08
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2220-9964 • E-ISSN: 2220-9964
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/ijgi10070467
OpenAlexW3177578194
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited44

The role of open spatial data is growing in human-history research. Spatiality can be utilized to bring together and seamlessly examine data describing multiple aspects of human beings and their environment. Web-based spatial data platforms can create equal opportunities to view and access these data. In this paper, we aim at advancing the development of user-friendly spatial data platforms for multidisciplinary research. We conceptualize the building process of such a platform by systematically reviewing a diverse sample of historical spatial data platforms and by piloting a user-centered design process of a multidisciplinary spatial data platform. We outline (1) the expertise needed in organizing multidisciplinary spatial data sharing, (2) data types that platforms should be able to handle, (3) the most useful platform functionalities, and (4) the design process itself. We recommend that the initiative and subject expertise should come from the end-users, i.e., scholars of human history, and all key end-user types should be involved in the design process. We also highlight the importance of geographic expertise in the process, an important link between subject, spatial and technical viewpoints, for reaching a common understanding and common terminology. Based on the analyses, we identify key development goals for spatial data platforms, including full layer management functionalities. Moreover, we identify the main roles in the user-centered design process, main user types and suggest good practices including a multimodal design workshop

Data science · Data sharing · Geography · Human–computer interaction · Multidisciplinary approach · Spatial analysis · Spatial data infrastructure · Terminology · Viewpoints · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Geographic Information Systems Studies · Human Mobility and Location-Based Analysis · Persona Design and Applications

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