Conceptual framework and construction mechanism of the pan-map symbol system

doi:10.11947/j.AGCS.2026.20260166

Abstract

Abstract:

With the rapid development of new-generation information and communication technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital twins, and AR/VR, maps has exhibited a significant trend toward diversification, giving rise to a large number of pan-map forms that are distinct from traditional maps. The representational space of pan-maps has expanded from the “physical-social cultural” dual space to a ternary space encompassing the physical, social cultural, and information domains. To address the challenge that traditional two-dimensional static map symbol systems are inadequate for the multi-dimensional, multi-modal, and multi-scenario expressive needs of pan-maps in the ternary space, this study draws upon cartographic linguistics and the theory of visualization dimensions for pan-maps to construct a pan-map symbol system oriented toward objects in ternary space, and systematically elucidates its underlying expressive mechanisms. By integrating Saussure's dyadic semiotics and Peirce's triadic semiotics, we first clarify the essence of pan-map symbols as carriers of meaning construction and information transmission. We then extend the connotations of image, graphic, and textual symbols, revealing the continuous transition of pan-map symbols from precise geometry to realistic (concrete) and freehand (abstract) expression, and construct a continuous spectrum in which image symbols shift from “two-dimensional images” to “three-dimensional realistic representations”, while graphic symbols transition from “geographic geometry” to “conceptualized expression”. Finally, we systematically analyze the operational logic of the semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic dimensions of pan-map symbols. At the semantic level, they exhibit a tripartite signifying relationship of iconicity, indexicality, and symbolism, along with rhetorical heuristicness. At the syntactic level, visualization dimensions serve as the underlying grammatical units, establishing a hierarchical reconstruction rule of “basic morpheme—symbol word—symbol sentence” and distilling visual rhetorical rules encompassing visual enhancement, semantic transformation, and spatiotemporal narration. At the pragmatic level, we summarize four core modes—geometric convention, scene realism, cognitive reinforcement, and intertextual metaphor—that drive the spatial meaning construction of symbols across diverse scenarios. This study reveals the visualization logic of pan-maps in the information age and is expected to provide theoretical support for the expansion of the theoretical framework of pan-cartography.

Key words: pan-map, ternary space, symbol system, visualization dimension, cartographic linguistics

CLC Number:

P208

Zhigang Zhao, Siyao Jiang, Yebin Chen, Yongli Chen, Renzhong Guo. Conceptual framework and construction mechanism of the pan-map symbol system[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2026, 55(9): 1653-1665.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Reference Manager|ProCite|BibTeX|RefWorks

URL: http://xb.chinasmp.com/EN/10.11947/j.AGCS.2026.20260166

http://xb.chinasmp.com/EN/Y2026/V55/I9/1653

Figures/Tables 7

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Tab. 1

Visual rhetoric categories of pan-map symbols"

修辞类别	典型手法	语构作用	符号句子效果
基础语构	陈述	遵循精确的欧氏几何逻辑，保持符号与空间对象在位置、几何形态上的一致性	构建客观、写实的空间认知，作为其他修辞的基准
基础语构	修饰	在主体符号上叠加文字/图标，形成“主符号-附属符号”的组合结构	补充说明主体对象的属性（如名称、数值），增加信息层次
视觉强化	规则化	对几何逻辑与空间结构进行秩序化重构（折弯取直、格网化），过滤琐碎细节	统一视觉秩序，突出表达空间关系或对象间的定性/定量差异
视觉强化	夸张化	对空间对象的尺寸、形状或距离进行非线性缩放（变形或降维），放大符号几何或关系差异	强化关键对象的视觉冲击力，突出关键对象在重要性、数量或关系上的视觉显著性
语义转换	标签化	采用文本标签代替图形符号表征空间对象	以文本形式直观展示对象语义
语义转换	隐喻化	基于非地理空间数据，通过颜色、纹理或其他仿生地图图示映射	将无形、多维的信息转化为直观的空间符号，辅助理解复杂现象
时空叙事	动态化	通过符号的位置移动、形状变化或颜色流转，表现对象的时间变化	表达空间对象的时空变化趋势与过程
	并列/对比	在相同空间参照与结构下，组织多组符号进行不同时间或空间维度对照	呈现变化前后或多方案差异，用于平行比较
	时间顺序	将复杂过程拆解为若干连续阶段，以编号、时间轴、步骤节点或路径分段等方式组织符号次序	展示事件发展的阶段性特征与先后顺序，增强用户理解对象变化的时间过程逻辑与演变规律
	空间递进	多尺度表达，随比例尺推进符号呈现多层级过渡	顺应“由远及近”的浏览习惯，实现从宏观概览到局部细节的平滑过渡
	因果关联	通过箭头、渐变色带或符号连接线，表现对象/事件间的因果传导关系	揭示现象背后的驱动机制、影响链条与连锁反应，增强解释力

Tab. 1

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

References 42

[1]	郭仁忠, 陈业滨, 赵志刚, 等. GIS的科学概念转化：从Map-based GIS到Space-oriented GIS[J]. 测绘学报, 2024, 53(10): 1853-1862. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2024.20240152
	Guo Renzhong, Chen Yebin, Zhao Zhigang, et al. The transformation of the scientific concept of GIS: from Map-based GIS to Spaceoriented GIS[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2024, 53(10): 1853-1862. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2024.20240152
[2]	郭仁忠, 陈业滨, 赵志刚, 等. ICT时代地图的科学概念及表达框架[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2022, 47(12): 1978-1987.
	Guo Renzhong, Chen Yebin, Zhao Zhigang, et al. Scientific concept and representation framework of maps in the ICT era[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2022, 47(12): 1978-1987.
[3]	郭仁忠, 陈业滨, 应申, 等. 三元空间下的泛地图可视化维度[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2018, 43(11): 1603-1610.
	Guo Renzhong, Chen Yebin, Ying Shen, et al. Geographic visualization of pan-map with the context of ternary spaces[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2018, 43(11): 1603-1610.
[4]	Lü Guonian, Li Xudong, Chen Min, et al. Towards information geography in ternary space[J]. Information Geography, 2025, 1(2): 100024.
[5]	Bertin J. Sémiologie graphique: les diagrammes[M]. Paris: Mouton, 1967.
[6]	Morrison J L. A theoretical framework for cartographic generalization with the emphasis on the process of symbolization[J]. International Yearbook of Cartography, 1974, 14(1974): 115-127.
[7]	Robinson A H, Sale R. Elements of cartography[M]. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1969.
[8]	Caivano J L. Visual texture as a semiotic system[J]. Semiotica, 1990, 80(3/4): 239-252.
[9]	高玉荣, 朱庆, 应申, 等. GIS中三维模型的视觉变量[J]. 测绘科学, 2005, 30(3): 41-43.
	Gao Yurong, Zhu Qing, Ying Shen, et al. Visual variable of 3D models for 3D GIS[J]. Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2005, 30(3): 41-43.
[10]	Slocum T, McMaster R B, Kessler F, et al. Thematic cartography and geovisualization[M]. 3rd Ed. New Jersey: Pearson, 2010.
[11]	Rautenbach V, Coetzee S, Schiewe J, et al. An assessment of visual variables for the cartographic design of 3D informal settlement models[C]//Proceedings of the 27th International Cartographic Conference. Cham: Springer, 2015.
[12]	DIBIASE D. Visualization in the Earth sciences[J]. Earth and Mineral Sciences, 1990, 59(2): 13-18.
[13]	DiBiase D, MacEachren A M, Krygier J B, et al. Animation and the role of map design in scientific visualization[J]. Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, 1992, 19(4): 201-214.
[14]	艾廷华. 动态符号与动态地图[J]. 武汉测绘科技大学学报, 1998(1): 47-51.
	Ai Tinghua. Dynamic symbol and dynamic map[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 1998(1): 47-51.
[15]	Maceachren A M, Ganter J H. A pattern identification approach to cartographic visualization[J]. Cartographica, 1990, 27(2): 64-81.
[16]	MacEachren A M. How maps work: representation, visualization, and design[M]. New York: Guilford Press, 2004.
[17]	MacEachren A M. Visualization in modern cartography: setting the agenda[J]. Visualization in Modern Cartography, 1994, 2(5): 1-12.
[18]	陈业滨. 泛地图可视化框架构建与实证研究[J]. 测绘学报, 2023, 52(8): 1418. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2023.20220157
	Chen Yebin. The construction and empirical exploration of pan-maps visualization framework[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2023, 52(8): 1418. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2023.20220157
[19]	宋晓燕. 隐喻地图设计：以“嘉兴绿色生态专题图”为例[D]. 武汉: 武汉大学, 2021.
	Song Xiaoyan. Research on metaphorical map design: taking “Jiaxing Green Ecology Thematic Map” as an example[D]. Wuhan: Wuhan University.2021.
[20]	苏世亮, 王令琦, 杜清运, 等. 叙事地图的基本理论问题：逻辑理据、概念界定、表征机制与研究议题[J]. 测绘学报, 2023, 52(12): 2178-2196. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2023.20220324
	Su Shiliang, Wang Lingqi, Du Qingyun, et al. Revisiting narrative maps: fundamental theoretical issues and a research agenda[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2023, 52(12): 2178-2196. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2023.20220324
[21]	苏世亮, 李千千, 李子纯, 等. 叙事地图的修辞体系框架：概念界定、类型划分与作用机制[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2025, 27(1): 131-150.
	Su Shiliang, Li Qianqian, Li Zichun, et al. Rhetoric of narrative maps: conceptualizations, categories, and working mechanisms[J]. Journal of Geo-Information Science, 2025, 27(1): 131-150.
[22]	苏世亮, 向娟, 杜清运, 等. 叙事地图学的概念框架构建[J]. 测绘学报, 2025, 54(8): 1371-1388. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2025.20250107
	Su Shiliang, Xiang Juan, Du Qingyun, et al. Re-conceptualizing narrative cartography[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2025, 54(8): 1371-1388. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2025.20250107
[23]	苏世亮, 李子纯, 杜清运, 等. 叙事地图的符号体系及叙述机制[J]. 测绘学报, 2025, 54(1): 165-181. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2025.20240175
	Su Shiliang, Li Zichun, Du Qingyun, et al. Symbols of narrative maps: compositional structure and working mechanism[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2025, 54(1): 165-181. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2025.20240175
[24]	费尔迪南·德·索绪尔. 普通语言学教程[M]. 高名凯，译. 北京: 商务印书馆, 1980.
	Ferdinand de Saussure. Cours de linguistique generale[M]. Gao Mingkai, trans. Beijing: The Commercial Press, 1980.
[25]	Peirce C S. The collected papers of Charles Sanders Peirce[M]. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1998.
[26]	Jégou L. Recent semiotic trends in thematic cartography[J]. International Journal of Cartography, 2025, 11(2): 277-281.
[27]	Medyńska-Gulij B. Pragmatics of visual variables in statistical-thematic and immersive geovisualizations[J]. International Journal of Cartography, 2025, 11(2): 282-287.
[28]	郭仁忠, 李志林, 闾国年, 等. 泛地图学引论[M]. 北京: 测绘出版社有限公司, 2025.
	Guo Renzhong, Li Zhilin, Lü Guonian, et al. Introduction to pan-map theory[M]. Beijing: Surveying and Mapping Press Co., Ltd. Press, 2025.
[29]	于峰一泽, 汤国安, 陆鼎阳, 等. 语言学视角下的地图演化[J]. 地理学报, 2024, 79(1): 171-186.
	Yu Fengyize, Tang Guoan, Lu Dingyang, et al. Evolution of maps from a linguistic perspective[J]. Acta Geographica Sinica, 2024, 79(1): 171-186.
[30]	陈业滨, 陈永丽, 柯文清, 等. 泛地图连续性表达维度模型研究[J]. 地球信息科学学报, 2026, 28(2): 287-299.
	Chen Yebin, Chen Yongli, Ke Wenqing, et al. Research on the dimensional model of pan-maps continuous representation[J]. Journal of Geo-Information Science, 2026, 28(2): 287-299.
[31]	Ding Yuan, Chen Dongming, Zlatanova S, et al. Simplifying complex landmark models with holes for 3D maps: a topological perception-based approach[J]. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 2026, 40(2): 348-381.
[32]	田江鹏, 游雄, 贾奋励, 等. 地图符号的认知语义分析与动态生成[J]. 测绘学报, 2017, 46(7): 928-938. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2017.20160504
	Tian Jiangpeng, You Xiong, Jia Fenli, et al. Cognitive semantic analysis and dynamic generation of cartographic symbols[J]. Acta Geodaetica et Cartographica Sinica, 2017, 46(7): 928-938. DOI: . doi: 10.11947/j.AGCS.2017.20160504
[33]	Ying Shen, Yang Haoran, Su Junru. Multi-perspective occlusion-free urban navigation visualization[J]. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 2026, 146: 105074.
[34]	Ying Shen, Su Junru, Zhuang Yuan, et al. Visual effects of a forward-curled 3D map of the Forbidden City with eye-tracking[J]. Geospatial Information Science, 2025, 28(3): 1359-1371.
[35]	Kress G R, Van Leeuwen T. Reading images: the grammar of visual design[M]. 2nd ed. London: Routledge, 2006.
[36]	遆鹏, 侯晓彤, 李志林, 等. 基于可视化维度的泛地图表达机制[J]. 武汉大学学报(信息科学版), 2022, 47(12): 2015-2025.
	Ti Peng, Hou Xiaotong, Li Zhilin, et al. Construction of pan-map representation mechanism based on visualization dimension system[J]. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University, 2022, 47(12): 2015-2025.
[37]	Groupe μ. Traité du Signe visuel: pour une rhétorique de l'image[M]. Paris: éditions du Seuil, 1992.
[38]	Morris C W. Writings on the general theory of signs[M]. The Hague: Mouton, 1971: 45.
[39]	唐曦, 江紫薇, 孙斐然. 拓展地铁线路地图专题服务的增强信息设计与实践[J]. 测绘地理信息, 2021, 46(1): 38-43.
	Tang Xi, Jiang Ziwei, Sun Feiran. Augmented information design and practice of expand thematic services on tube maps[J]. Journal of Geomatics, 2021, 46(1): 38-43.
[40]	刘世川, 王勇, 唐晴, 等. 面向地图叙事的三维场景视点选取方法[J]. 测绘科学, 2025, 50(9): 170-178.
	Liu Shichuan, Wang Yong, Tang Qing, et al. Viewpoint selection for 3D scene in map narratives[J]. Science of Surveying and Mapping, 2025, 50(9): 170-178.
[41]	郑舜元, 李国政, 吴愚希, 等. 可视化视觉隐喻方法综述[J]. 计算机辅助设计与图形学学报, 2025, 37(11): 2006-2021.
	Zheng Shunyuan, Li Guozheng, Wu Yuxi, et al. A summary of visual metaphors in visualizations[J]. Journal of Computer-Aided Design & Computer Graphics, 2025, 37(11): 2006-2021.
[42]	Chen Shuai, Li Sihang, Chen Siming, et al. R-map: a map metaphor for visualizing information reposting process in social media[J]. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2020, 26(1): 1204-1214.