Master's Thesis

This thesis aims to design cartographic maps for three different user groups that visualize wildlife species locations at different waterholes using geotagged photos, along with other thematic features of Etosha National Park. The purpose of maps is to provide detailed information to younger people, the public, and experts about the existence of different wildlife species in the park. The maps will be designed based on the principles of cartographic design, including infographics, and integrated with Copernicus data. Additionally, these maps will be user-tested in terms of their design and published on the web, combined with an interactive map, so people can easily access them and dynamically interact with different features of the park. The overall aim is further divided into three major objectives.

I. Develop a workflow for collecting wildlife geotagged photos from multiple public sources.

Research questions:
a) Which public sources are available online that provide geotagged photos of wildlife species?
b) What are the different methods for the extraction and preprocessing of geotagged information?

II. Design maps of Etosha National Park for multiple user groups, including the public, experts, and young people

Research questions:
a) What are three different optimal styles in terms of color scheme and layout can be used for designing maps?
b) Which intuitive symbols convey more information to different groups?

III. User evaluation and publish map sets on a web platform.

Research questions:
a) Which evaluation method will be suitable for these maps?
b) Which web platform will be suitable for publishing maps?
c) Which methods and technologies will be suitable for developing an interactive web map?

The result of this thesis can act as a guide for tourists who are planning to visit Etosha National Park and gain information about the occurrence of wildlife species at different waterholes in the park. Further, maps could also help park authorities assign more financial resources where wildlife is mostly seen and declare game viewing spots without disturbing the wildlife. The result will also be useful for researchers because it allows them to see the distribution of endangered species and will help them develop strategies for their protection.