Strengths and Weaknesses in Data Flow Diagrams in GIS

Geographic information systems (GIS) are supplemented by components for the creation of batch data flow diagrams. In this article, two components are presented: Model Builder in ArcGIS and Workflow Designer in AutoCAD Map 3D. The level of component facilities is different. The components support users more or less to create diagrams that meet aesthetic, cognitive and perceptual principles. The aesthetic, cognitive and perceptual quality of diagrams is determined by the possibilities of the program components. However, these qualities can also be influenced by the creativity of the author. The author can increase or decrease the quality of the diagram by arranging the elements, orientation and by setting the diagram size. The user creativity is bigger in Model Builder than in Workflow Designer. Users must be careful with the design and respect the rules and recommendations. The article shows several examples of diagrams that are better or worse from the aesthetic point of view. Examples also show the good facilities and their utilization for increasing the diagram quality.