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Documents authored by Kray, Christian

Document
DOI: 10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2025.13
Assessing Map Reproducibility with Visual Question-Answering: An Empirical Evaluation

Authors: Eftychia Koukouraki, Auriol Degbelo, and Christian Kray

Published in: LIPIcs, Volume 346, 13th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2025)

Abstract
Reproducibility is a key principle of the modern scientific method. Maps, as an important means of communicating scientific results in GIScience and across disciplines, should be reproducible. Currently, map reproducibility assessment is done manually, which makes the assessment process tedious and time-consuming, ultimately limiting its efficiency. Hence, this work explores the extent to which Visual Question-Answering (VQA) can be used to automate some tasks relevant to map reproducibility assessment. We selected five state-of-the-art vision language models (VLMs) and followed a three-step approach to evaluate their ability to discriminate between maps and other images, interpret map content, and compare two map images using VQA. Our results show that current VLMs already possess map-reading capabilities and demonstrate understanding of spatial concepts, such as cardinal directions, geographic scope, and legend interpretation. Our paper demonstrates the potential of using VQA to support reproducibility assessment and highlights the outstanding issues that need to be addressed to achieve accurate, trustworthy map descriptions, thereby reducing the time and effort required by human evaluators.
Cite as

Eftychia Koukouraki, Auriol Degbelo, and Christian Kray. Assessing Map Reproducibility with Visual Question-Answering: An Empirical Evaluation. In 13th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2025). Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 346, pp. 13:1-13:12, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2025)

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@InProceedings{koukouraki_et_al:LIPIcs.GIScience.2025.13,
  author =	{Koukouraki, Eftychia and Degbelo, Auriol and Kray, Christian},
  title =	{{Assessing Map Reproducibility with Visual Question-Answering: An Empirical Evaluation}},
  booktitle =	{13th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2025)},
  pages =	{13:1--13:12},
  series =	{Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-378-2},
  ISSN =	{1868-8969},
  year =	{2025},
  volume =	{346},
  editor =	{Sila-Nowicka, Katarzyna and Moore, Antoni and O'Sullivan, David and Adams, Benjamin and Gahegan, Mark},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2025.13},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-238426},
  doi =		{10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2025.13},
  annote =	{Keywords: map comparison, computational reproducibility, visual question answering, large language models, GeoAI}
}
Document
DOI: 10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2023.6
Map Reproducibility in Geoscientific Publications: An Exploratory Study

Authors: Eftychia Koukouraki and Christian Kray

Published in: LIPIcs, Volume 277, 12th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2023)

Abstract
Reproducibility is a core element of the scientific method. In the Geosciences, the insights derived from geodata are frequently communicated through maps, and the computational methods to create these maps vary in their ease of reproduction. In this paper, we present the results from a study where we tried to reproduce the maps included in geoscientific publications. Following a systematic approach, we collected 27 candidate papers and in four cases, we were able to successfully reproduce the maps they contained. We report on the approach we applied, the issues we encountered and the insights we gained while attempting to reproduce the maps. In addition, we provide an initial set of criteria to assess the success of a map reproduction attempt. We also propose some guidelines for improving map reproducibility in geoscientific publications. Our work sheds a light on the current state of map reproducibility in geoscientific papers and can benefit researchers interested in publishing maps in a more reproducible way.
Cite as

Eftychia Koukouraki and Christian Kray. Map Reproducibility in Geoscientific Publications: An Exploratory Study. In 12th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2023). Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 277, pp. 6:1-6:16, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2023)

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@InProceedings{koukouraki_et_al:LIPIcs.GIScience.2023.6,
  author =	{Koukouraki, Eftychia and Kray, Christian},
  title =	{{Map Reproducibility in Geoscientific Publications: An Exploratory Study}},
  booktitle =	{12th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2023)},
  pages =	{6:1--6:16},
  series =	{Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-288-4},
  ISSN =	{1868-8969},
  year =	{2023},
  volume =	{277},
  editor =	{Beecham, Roger and Long, Jed A. and Smith, Dianna and Zhao, Qunshan and Wise, Sarah},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2023.6},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-189015},
  doi =		{10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2023.6},
  annote =	{Keywords: Reproducible Research, Reproduction Assessment, Map Making, Cartography}
}
Document
DOI: 10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2021.I.15
Enhancing Usability Evaluation of Web-Based Geographic Information Systems (WebGIS) with Visual Analytics

Authors: René Unrau and Christian Kray

Published in: LIPIcs, Volume 177, 11th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2021) - Part I (2020)

Abstract
Many websites nowadays incorporate geospatial data that users interact with, for example, to filter search results or compare alternatives. These web-based geographic information systems (WebGIS) pose new challenges for usability evaluations as both the interaction with classic interface elements and with map-based visualizations have to be analyzed to understand user behavior. This paper proposes a new scalable approach that applies visual analytics to logged interaction data with WebGIS, which facilitates the interactive exploration and analysis of user behavior. In order to evaluate our approach, we implemented it as a toolkit that can be easily integrated into existing WebGIS. We then deployed the toolkit in a user study (N=60) with a realistic WebGIS and analyzed users' interaction in a second study with usability experts (N=7). Our results indicate that the proposed approach is practically feasible, easy to integrate into existing systems, and facilitates insights into the usability of WebGIS.
Cite as

René Unrau and Christian Kray. Enhancing Usability Evaluation of Web-Based Geographic Information Systems (WebGIS) with Visual Analytics. In 11th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2021) - Part I. Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 177, pp. 15:1-15:16, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2020)

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@InProceedings{unrau_et_al:LIPIcs.GIScience.2021.I.15,
  author =	{Unrau, Ren\'{e} and Kray, Christian},
  title =	{{Enhancing Usability Evaluation of Web-Based Geographic Information Systems (WebGIS) with Visual Analytics}},
  booktitle =	{11th International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience 2021) - Part I},
  pages =	{15:1--15:16},
  series =	{Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-166-5},
  ISSN =	{1868-8969},
  year =	{2020},
  volume =	{177},
  editor =	{Janowicz, Krzysztof and Verstegen, Judith A.},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2021.I.15},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-130509},
  doi =		{10.4230/LIPIcs.GIScience.2021.I.15},
  annote =	{Keywords: map interaction, usability evaluation, visual analytics}
}
Document
Vision Paper
DOI: 10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2019.8
Reproducible Research in Geoinformatics: Concepts, Challenges and Benefits (Vision Paper)

Authors: Christian Kray, Edzer Pebesma, Markus Konkol, and Daniel Nüst

Published in: LIPIcs, Volume 142, 14th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2019)

Abstract
Geoinformatics deals with spatial and temporal information and its analysis. Research in this field often follows established practices of first developing computational solutions for specific spatiotemporal problems and then publishing the results and insights in a (static) paper, e.g. as a PDF. Not every detail can be included in such a paper, and particularly, the complete set of computational steps are frequently left out. While this approach conveys key knowledge to other researchers it makes it difficult to effectively re-use and reproduce the reported results. In this vision paper, we propose an alternative approach to carry out and report research in Geoinformatics. It is based on (computational) reproducibility, promises to make re-use and reproduction more effective, and creates new opportunities for further research. We report on experiences with executable research compendia (ERCs) as alternatives to classic publications in Geoinformatics, and we discuss how ERCs combined with a supporting research infrastructure can transform how we do research in Geoinformatics. We point out which challenges this idea entails and what new research opportunities emerge, in particular for the COSIT community.
Cite as

Christian Kray, Edzer Pebesma, Markus Konkol, and Daniel Nüst. Reproducible Research in Geoinformatics: Concepts, Challenges and Benefits (Vision Paper). In 14th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2019). Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 142, pp. 8:1-8:13, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2019)

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@InProceedings{kray_et_al:LIPIcs.COSIT.2019.8,
  author =	{Kray, Christian and Pebesma, Edzer and Konkol, Markus and N\"{u}st, Daniel},
  title =	{{Reproducible Research in Geoinformatics: Concepts, Challenges and Benefits}},
  booktitle =	{14th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2019)},
  pages =	{8:1--8:13},
  series =	{Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-115-3},
  ISSN =	{1868-8969},
  year =	{2019},
  volume =	{142},
  editor =	{Timpf, Sabine and Schlieder, Christoph and Kattenbeck, Markus and Ludwig, Bernd and Stewart, Kathleen},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2019.8},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-111008},
  doi =		{10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2019.8},
  annote =	{Keywords: vision paper, Geoinformatics, reproducibility, computational, spatial and temporal information, spatial data science, GI Science}
}
Document
Complete Volume
DOI: 10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2017
LIPIcs, Volume 86, COSIT'17, Complete Volume

Authors: Eliseo Clementini, Maureen Donnelly, May Yuan, Christian Kray, Paolo Fogliaroni, and Andrea Ballatore

Published in: LIPIcs, Volume 86, 13th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2017)

Abstract
LIPIcs, Volume 86, COSIT'17, Complete Volume
Cite as

13th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2017). Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 86, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2017)

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@Proceedings{clementini_et_al:LIPIcs.COSIT.2017,
  title =	{{LIPIcs, Volume 86, COSIT'17, Complete Volume}},
  booktitle =	{13th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2017)},
  series =	{Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-043-9},
  ISSN =	{1868-8969},
  year =	{2017},
  volume =	{86},
  editor =	{Clementini, Eliseo and Donnelly, Maureen and Yuan, May and Kray, Christian and Fogliaroni, Paolo and Ballatore, Andrea},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2017},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-79080},
  doi =		{10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2017},
  annote =	{Keywords: Conference Proceedings, Applications and Expert Systems, Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods, Physical Sciences and Engineering}
}
Document
Front Matter
DOI: 10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2017.0
Front Matter, Table of Contents, Preface, Organization, List of Authors

Authors: Eliseo Clementini, Maureen Donnelly, May Yuan, Christian Kray, Paolo Fogliaroni, and Andrea Ballatore

Published in: LIPIcs, Volume 86, 13th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2017)

Abstract
Front Matter, Table of Contents, Preface, Organization, List of Authors
Cite as

13th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2017). Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs), Volume 86, pp. 0:i-0:xiv, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2017)

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@InProceedings{clementini_et_al:LIPIcs.COSIT.2017.0,
  author =	{Clementini, Eliseo and Donnelly, Maureen and Yuan, May and Kray, Christian and Fogliaroni, Paolo and Ballatore, Andrea},
  title =	{{Front Matter, Table of Contents, Preface, Organization, List of Authors}},
  booktitle =	{13th International Conference on Spatial Information Theory (COSIT 2017)},
  pages =	{0:i--0:xiv},
  series =	{Leibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)},
  ISBN =	{978-3-95977-043-9},
  ISSN =	{1868-8969},
  year =	{2017},
  volume =	{86},
  editor =	{Clementini, Eliseo and Donnelly, Maureen and Yuan, May and Kray, Christian and Fogliaroni, Paolo and Ballatore, Andrea},
  publisher =	{Schloss Dagstuhl -- Leibniz-Zentrum f{\"u}r Informatik},
  address =	{Dagstuhl, Germany},
  URL =		{https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2017.0},
  URN =		{urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-77464},
  doi =		{10.4230/LIPIcs.COSIT.2017.0},
  annote =	{Keywords: Front Matter, Table of Contents, Preface, Organization, List of Authors}
}
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