Fields and objects for better representation of phenomena in their geographic context

Many studies and research aim at better knowing phenomena such as pollution or climate. The fields of value representing these phenomena can be visualized on scientific visualization tools which do not have the richness of symbolization specific to the GIS, in particular for the georeferencing and for the representation of the vector objects describing the geographical context. The representation in raster on GIS is possible but limited. However, at the scientific level, it is important to be able to co-visualize the fields describing phenomena in their geographical context to better analyze them and make assumptions about the interactions between a phenomenon and the geographical space. In this paper we propose to create specific graphical objects allowing visualizing fields of values at different levels of detail and on different geographical objects. Planar graphic objects emphasize the continuity of the phenomenon and are seen by transparency with the other objects whereas the grid types make it possible to see the field and the other geographical objects describing the space. The data can also be projected on particular geographical vector objects. We also propose to create aerial graphical objects in order to improve zoom in and out efficiency. We propose a data model dedicated to the graphical representation of phenomena data type that we illustrate from data describing flow and pollution in a water pipeline and urban climate data. In this paper we do not deal with the representation of dynamics but with the best graphical representation of each state describing a phenomenon.