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

etc..