This paper explores the research status and future trends of geo\|referenced visualization
and aims to establish a research framework via the discussion of geo\|visualization
multi\|dimensional geo\|graphical interpretation and virtual geographical environment.\;In terms of geo\|visualization
three concepts including cartographic visualization
geographical visualization
and GIS\|visualization are scrutinized
and their relationship is established. Cartographic visualization emphasizes visual thinking
spatial cognition and analysis
and graphic information communication. GIS\|visualization focuses on data structure and model
realistic 3\|D graphics rendering
dynamic interaction
real\|time processing
etc. In this paper
cartographic visualization and geographical visualization are regarded as the same in nature.\;Multi\|dimensional geo\|graphical interpretation is proposed from non\|visualization
whose goal is to establish methodology and rules for graphics\|based unknowns\|seeking upon around a thousand past and present geo\|referenced maps/graphics/images. Only from one special case or a kind of map and supported by computer\|based visualization
geo\|visualization
especially cartographic visualization
facilitates users to explore data for revealing unknowns. But with the same goal of graphics\|based unknowns\|seeking
geo\|visualization and multi\|dimensional geo\|graphical interpretation should be integrated to further the study on visual thinking
spatial cognition
and graphics\|based data exploration
based upon both long human accumulated experiences and knowledge and the modern computer\|based visualization technology.\;Resulting from the integration of virtual reality technology
Internet and regional geographical systems
virtual geographical environment (VGE) will be taken as the advanced system which will eventually contain all theories and techniques associated with geo\|visualization and multi\|dimensional geo\|graphical interpretation and so on. VGE is very important for the development and practice of Geography
which permits users to go into geo\|referenced data
interact directly with geo\|referenced objects rather than 3\|D graphics of objects
and generate hypotheses or valid others’ geo\|models. VGE is a virtual laboratory for geographers. But the establishment of VGE depends upon not only virtual reality technology
but as well as the development of geo\|visualization
multi\|dimensional geo\|graphical interpretation
acquisition and processing technique of geo\|referenced information