Chapter 26 Geovisualization Issues in Public Transport Applications David Fairbairn, School of Civil Engineering and GeoSciences, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK Keywords: public transport, journey planning, geovisualization, cartographic represen- tation, transport information systems, transport maps Abstract This chapter is intended to highlight the role of contemporary research in geographic visualization (geovisualization) and its applications to the specific field of public transport information systems. With a significant need for efficient information handling by and for a range of participants and stakeholders, public transportation operations can exemplify the variety of potential contributions by geovisualization researchers to everyday scenarios. A number of problems and issues in the representation of spatial data in transport information systems are outlined. Some of the conclusions from the recently completed Research Agenda in geovisualization (MacEachren and Kraak, 2001) are then examined to determine the extent to which these problems can be resolved and these issues can be tackled. Particular emphasis is given to reconciling the specific data handling requirements of a bus information system with the outcomes of geovisualization research in areas of representation (how displays in the information system might appear), data-, user- and task-dependence (how visualization is affected by externalities), and the impact of modern developments (how the means of information handling may be changed by improvement in technology). The primary goal of this chapter is to examine the nature of geovisualization and its application in public transport information systems. After an examination of data handling in such systems, a number of specific issues in contemporary geovisualization research are discussed and an assessment is made of their impact on the presentation of spatial information for all stakeholders in public transport operations. 26.1 Public Transport Information Imagine a public transport vehicle, primarily a bus, but possibly also a train, ferry or localized airplane service. In most cases, such vehicles operate to a pre-determined Exploring Geovisualization J. Dykes, A.M. MacEachren, M.-J. Kraak (Editors) q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 513 preprint : November 2004 - do not redistribute. J. Dykes, A.M. MacEachren, M-J. Kraak (2005), Exploring Geovisualization, Pergamon, 732pp. 0-08-044531-4