Computer Science Department, PhD Dissertation Defense Akim Ndlovu " Advancing the Design and Evaluation of Thematic Map Visualization Techniques"

Advancing the Design and Evaluation of Thematic Map Visualization Techniques

Akim Ndlovu 

PhD Candidate 

WPI – Computer Science Department 

Thursday, April 23, 2026 

Time: 12:00 PM  – 1:00 PM 

Location:  Fuller Labs 311 

Committee members :

Prof. Lane Harrison, Advisor, WPI Computer Science 
Prof. Charlie Roberts, WPI- Computer Science 
Prof. Emmanuel Agu, WPI Computer Science 
Prof. Evan Peck,  UC Boulder (External Advisor)

Abstract:

Thematic maps are commonly used for visualizing spatial data. For example, epidemiologists can use choropleth maps to monitor and disseminate information related to disease outbreaks, and federal analysts can use surprise maps to highlight regions with unexpected population changes. 

However, challenges remain in the design, use, and interpretation of thematic maps.

 For example, (1) there are known biases associated with choropleth maps (e.g., the effects of area, color, and population variance)

(2) surprise maps can require extensive parameter setting and tuning for effective use, 

and (3) the cognitive strategies that people use to interpret multivariate geospatial maps are yet to be explored. In this dissertation, I conduct crowdsourced experiments to gain insights into how people interpret such maps and develop systems to facilitate spatial analysis.

I present findings that support the use of model-derived maps in practice, and surface new opportunities for sense-making within the broader ecosystem of map visualizations.