Schematic Maps as an Alternative to Point Coverages When Topographic Maps are not Available

This paper describes the visualization methods of point related spatial information used in geo-portals for tourism and recreation. We examine the issue of visualization of points of interest when base topographic maps are not available. We compare the schematic map approach to point coverages. In our hypothesis, we suggest that the schematic map approach offers the best alternatives for assisting the tourist in taking decisions during the planning phase of an excursion when detailed topographic map information is not available. We use algebraic operations to evaluate the visualization approaches.