A method based on graphic entity for visualizing complex map symbols on the web

A method based on graphic entity for map symbol visualization in vector-based web mapping is proposed. The method is especially effective for complex geological symbols. It has three parts: graphic entity library, symbol synthesizer, and synthesis specifications. The design process is described as the application of the method to symbols representing point, line, and polygon features in web mapping. The method works with Flash, SVG, or other mapping technologies. We chose Flash to visualize geological disaster information for the Guangdong province in China. The case study demonstrates that this graphic entity-based method can meet the demands for interactive symbolization and complex symbol visualization in Internet web mapping. It produces good results, is fast, and is easy to operate. This makes it especially suitable for web-mapping applications, especially vector-based and hybrid WebGIS applications which display complex symbols.