بناء أنموذج لقياس وتقييم مستوى التعقيد في التصميم الكارتوغرافي ودقة الإدراك البصري لخرائط السحب في المنطقة الشمالية من العراق

Abstract

This study aims to develop a cartographic–cognitive model that integrates cartographic design complexity in cloud maps with the accuracy of their visual interpretation within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment through the development of a Cartographic Complexity Index (CCI). The proposed index transforms visual design elements into standardized quantitative variables, thereby reducing reliance on subjective visual interpretation in map evaluation. The model does not assume the elimination of perceptual bias, as visual perception is inherently influenced by individual differences in experience and perceptual discrimination abilities. Instead, it represents perceptual variability within a measurable quantitative framework that can be statistically analyzed, allowing variations in human perception to be incorporated into a testable modeling structure. This approach enhances the reproducibility of results while minimizing variability arising from subjective interpretation. The results demonstrate the feasibility of constructing an integrated spatial model for measuring cartographic complexity by combining indicators of feature density, symbol diversity, color complexity, layer number, and spatial overlap into a single composite index. The optical thickness and cloud-top temperature maps exhibited comparable cartographic complexity values (0.61 and 0.60, respectively); however, these similar complexity scores did not correspond to equivalent perceptual performance. The findings further indicate that different sources of cartographic complexity impose distinct cognitive demands. In the optical thickness map, high feature density and extensive color gradation were associated with increased cognitive complexity, whereas in the cloud-top temperature map, the diversity of color schemes intensified visual interference and resulted in a relative reduction in the clarity of spatial boundaries