A visual user interface for map information retrieval based on semantic significance

User-interface facilities of a map information system HI-MAP that provide visual feedback to the user are presented. The facilities include semantic panning and zooming, overlaying of thematic maps, etc., and are available through an interactive menu system. HI-MAP retrieves map elements in a specified region on the basis of their relevance and their categorical classification. It has a data structure that includes logical and physical hierarchies for the management of semantic relationships and graphic map elements. The software for implementing these facilities is well modularized, and a variety of interfacing modes can be realized by simple communication between modules. The system contributes toward a reduction of the difficulties in obtaining what is really required from databases