DEMOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF ALBANIA: PILOT PROJECT FOR A NATIONAL ATLAS INFORMATION SYSTEM IN A SOUTH EAST

EUROPEAN TRANSFORMATION COUNTRY

Hartmut Asche, Arqile Bërxholi, Julia Siemer, Dhimitër Doka

Department of Geography, University of Potsdam (D) Geographic Studies Centre, Albanian Academy of Sciences (AL)

Department of Geography, University of Regina (CDN) Department of Geography, University of Tirana (AL)

Albania, one of the least known South East European transformation countries, still lacks a basic atlas on a national level providing fundamental information on the physical, economic, societal and political structures following the start of the transformation period. To investigate the feasibility of compiling a national atlas a pilot project has been con-ducted by developing and producing one thematic segment, the current demographic situation. The �Demographic Atlas of Albania� is a cartographic work on the structure and dynamics of the Albanian population after the start of the trans-formation period of the post-socialist reform state. The atlas targets a wide public in politics, the economy, education and society, and through its presentation seeks to gain the interest of laypersons in the demographic fundamentals of the country. 1 INTRODUCTION Since the political turnaround in 1990, Albania, for decades almost isolated from the outside world, has reclaimed its position on Europe�s political map. Like in other former socialist countries of east and southeast Europe the collapse of the communist regime has initiated an ongoing transformation process. Its almost uncontrolled dynamics have deeply affected all political, societal and economic structures of this backward country and have already brought about irre-versible changes. Duration and extent of this transformation process have intensified efforts to document the current status and recent development of this young reform state in a comprehensive atlas. First conceptual studies have been pioneered mainly by staff members of the Geographic Studies Centre of the Albanian Academy of Sciences and the Department of Geography of Tirana University. This preparatory work was partly based on pre-transformation efforts to compile a national atlas. What can be seen from the existing documents is the objective to produce an Albanian national atlas as a representative cartographic description or �business card� targeted at an international rather than a national audience. Taking up the dominant paradigma of atlas cartography up to the 1980s, this atlas was to show the overall geographic structure of the country. A special feature was to depict Albania�s regional, cultural and ethnic continuity from the days of ancient Illyria by a large collection of historic maps.

So far the efforts to produce a national atlas have not materialised, primarily because the necessary funding for such an ambitious undertaking could not be raised. To advance the idea of documenting the transformation situation in map form, a conception has been developed in cooperation between Albanian geographers and geoinformation scientists of Potsdam University�s Department of Geography to compile a national atlas by successive production of a number of thematic atlases. United by a common formal, thematic and cartographic structure these atlases can constitute what may be called a cumulative national atlas. A first single theme atlas, the Demographic Atlas of Albania (�Atlasi Gjeografik Popullsisë Shqipërisë� � AGPS), has accordingly been developed and produced as a prototype within the scope of DAAD�s special program �Academic reconstruction in South Eastern Europe�. The AGPS has been conceptualised as a prototype for an Albanian national atlas. It is based on a geographic information system (GIS) to allow for the subse-quent creation of a digital national atlas information system (NAIS).

This paper discusses some basic conceptual considerations for a national atlas as one NAIS product and their applica-tion to the pilot atlas AGPS. Central issues of data base design, cartographic visualisation and workflow are dealt with in greater detail. Experience and results gathered from prototype development and implementation are briefly evaluated for their relevance to continue building an AIS of Albania.

2 NATIONAL ATLASES � COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL KNOWL-EDGE

Every systematic application-specific collection of maps with uniform formal structure and design is termed an �atlas� after a book collection of world maps by the German-Dutch cartographer Gerhard Mercator more than four centuries ago. Since Mercator�s time the term atlas implies not only a specific map content, a system of map models based on a common narrative, but also the presentation medium, a map product in book form or paper maps assembled in a map case. Only the thorough change to computer-assisted map construction and production brought about increasing num-bers of electronic atlases to be designed and developed for on-screen use. Characteristic of any electronic presentation is the screen map allowing the user to interact with the map graphic in various ways. When linked with a geographic data-base electronic atlases offer extensive interaction and manipulation features of its graphic and non-graphic components (Asche 1996, 2001, Ormeling 1993).

At the start of the 21st century atlases can be considered comprehensive spatial information systems of a particular region irrespective of their production and presentation media. They represent the complex human and physical envi-ronment in a narrative-based collection of application-specific, synoptic and significant map graphics. This may include static data presentations like static maps, tables, text, images as well as dynamic presentations like animated maps, sound, video etc. Viewed from information and communication theories atlases thus represent highly compressed knowledge bases of all kinds of spatial information. The current term �atlas information system� (AIS) stresses the affinity of digital atlases with GIS. Like their conventional counterparts AIS offer extensive functions for viewing, exploring and knowledge acquisition, however based on analog screen maps. AIS combine the powerful potential of non-graphic data management and manipulation like selection, aggregation or spatial join with a flexible presentation of information by static or animated maps, diagrams, text, audio, images, video etc. Whatever the media and presentation platform selected, the application-specific documentation, visualisation and communication by means of map models constitute the fundamental value of any real-world atlas. These graphic map models allow for the extraction of problem and application oriented information on the environment and its constituent geographic objects.

National atlases, whether in conventional or electronic form, represent an exemplary segment of atlases. As complex regional atlases referring to a national state they display current thematic information on the physical and human envi-ronment in a series of small-scale maps. At the same time they depict the status of geographic visualisation and geoin-formation technology employed in their production. In the age of digital information and communication, regional as well as national atlases are increasingly being produced as AIS and NAIS, respectively, for electronic use, like the re-cent national atlases of Canada, USA, France or Sweden. Whether a national atlas is produced as a conventional paper volume or an electronic NAIS is dependent on a number of limiting factors affecting its production and use some of which are country-specific. Prominent among those are accessibility of potential atlas users by the presentation an dis-tribution medium selected, production costs, financing, user access to computers and the internet or stable provision of electricity. All of these factors gain critical importance in a transformation country like Albania.

3 DEMOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF ALBANIA - CONSTITUENT OF A NAIS The atlas concept developed for the AGPS takes full account of the ongoing transformation process in Albania thus allowing for subsequent generation of an AIS. This concept aims at providing information on the country�s demo-graphic fundamentals a limited time after acquisition (2001). Presentation in map forms facilitates to address the wider public. At the same time the concept has to be flexible enough to allow for the development of a digital NAIS. Both objectives could be met by basing the atlas development on a GIS and not by simply employing desktop publishing graphics software without a database component. While the GIS database guarantees that data processed for the AGPS can be integrated into a future NAIS without further manipulation, the combination of the GIS database with the graphic potential of graphics software facilitates geographic visualisation and map construction according to state-of-the-art methods of thematic cartography. The resultant map graphics can then be displayed in variable form � paper map, screen map or webmap.

3.1 Objectives The conceptual basis can be broken down into a number of objectives which the pilot atlas AGPS as well as a NAIS will have to meet: 1. thematic focus on current transformation structures 2. problem-oriented atlas compilation based on narrative 3. appealing, easy-to-understand map visualisation

4. brief textual explanations of themes visualised 5. retrospective visualisation of development prior to political turnaround 6. GIS basis for data storage, processing and administration, graphics software for cartographic modeling and visuali-

sation 7. trilingual map lettering and text (Albanian, English, German) 8. paper maps as primary form of geodata presentation, atlas volume as primary distribution medium, complementary

development of screen maps 9. all-embracing adaptive graphic design

These objectives have been operationalised by devising a number of work packages for the actual development and implementation of a specific atlas product. The AGPS has served as a prototype to test and evaluate the above objec-tives in a practical application. As one segment of a future Albanian AIS the AGPS presents a theme, the demographic structure, which is of top priority in the transformation process of this south east European country.

3.2 Aim and audience Both an Albanian AIS and the AGPS aim at documenting and providing fundamental structural data on the physical and human geographic foundations of present-day Albania, their spatiotemporal development and potential since the coun-try�s independence in 1912. A clear focus is on the documentation and information of the ongoing transformation proc-ess following the end of the socialist area in 1990. Multitemporal visualisation of key data of the economic, societal, political and environmental status will be used to communicate information helping to build in-depth knowledge of Albania�s present and past geographic structures. This will contribute to a deeper understanding of the transformation process and development. The map presentations will enable user communities from the administration, economy and education sectors to conduct topic-driven visual exploration, extraction and analyses of the information presented.

The AGPS as well as an Albanian AIS target a wide national as well as international audience in politics, economy, science and education. More specifically, the atlas addresses decision makers, scientists, educators and cartographic laypersons alike. For this purpose all data are processed at the level of a secondary school education. Hence the focus of map visualisation is on easy-to-comprehend analytical map types accompanied by short textual comments to communi-cate the topics presented with partially overlapping redundancy. An unsystematic survey conducted prior to the concep-tualisation phase indicated that the targeted broad audience can be addressed to make them familiar with the country�s current situation.

3.3 Topographic base The compilation of any atlas, whether in analog or digital form, necessitates a precise, consistent, up-to-date topog-raphic data base facilitating the geographic reference and structuring of the thematic data. For the time being, Albania fails to meet these requirements not only in large scale, but also in medium to small scale topographic data. As a conse-quence, a digital topographic data base had to be compiled from existing analog maps, satellite imagery and digital data bases of military origin.

In a first step associated with the AGPS pilot project, the data base has been created for small scale topographic and administrative mapping. Rooted in a GIS environment the data base is at present composed of two spatial object models for 1:1.5 million (administrative structure) and 1:750,000 scales (administrative, physical structure). Its topographic data are consistent and primarily meet precision requirements of the statistical data visualised.

For the production of the AGPS paper maps from this data base, the atlas format is a key factor in the selection of the appropriate presentation scales. To present the whole country on a paper format of 24.0 x 29.0 cm a reduction of 1.5 million is required. This principal scale allows for a clear, intuitive representation of the demographic data and their geographic reference to the respective administrative divisions. Themes demanding higher geographic precision, like settlement or population distribution, have been compiled at 1:750,000 scale. Maps showing the regional and continental location of Albania have been visualised in smaller scales, which can easily be compared with the principal scale by simple multiplication. Thus an easy-to-compare consistent scale series of 1:75,000, 1:750,000, 1:1.5 million, 1:4.5 million and 1:18 million scales has been constructed which cannot only be used in the pilot atlas but also in a future AIS.

3.4 Themes

In a comparatively young national state like Albania, which has only recently shaken off different periods of socialist rule, available thematic data from official and other sources play a vital role when it comes to compiling a thematic atlas of any topic let alone an AIS. Although substantial amounts of data are lacking from socialist times and the current transformation period, the post-turnaround census of 2001 and the pre-turnaround census of 1989 provide sufficient, largely reliable data on the country�s fundamental demographic structures. Prior to the political turnaround, data from the Central State Archive can be used to trace the demographic developments in the country. Before inclusion in the atlas data base, all thematic as well as topographic data have been double checked for quality and consistency. To aug-ment current statistic data, recent field survey data from the Albanian partners have partially be used. The focus of these surveys was on the physical environment and its changes as well as the demographic and economic development. Thus a sufficient thematic data base is available to allow for cartographic visualisation in map form.

Only data originating from reliable official sources which can be evaluated for their quality have been used to compile the AGPS data base. All demographic and administrative data stored in the GIS data base have been processed to meet the requirements of the overall objectives of an Albanian AIS. In line with these objectives, special attention has been paid to compile retrospective multitemporal thematic sequences. Depending on the depth of available data, a number of topics could be traced back to the 1920s. The provision of these time series is intended to help the user understand the current transformation situation by comparing the data. To do this data referring to identical administrative divisions are required. As frequent changes in the administrative situation of the country have occurred, historic data had to be con-verted to the current administrative situation. To explain the administrative changes, the demographic maps are com-plemented with a map series showing the differences in the administrative situation since 1937.

For the first time the AGPS presents fundamental data on the structure, composition, distribution, natural and spatial developments and trends, education and medical care of the Albanian population in a total of 65 thematic maps. Maps on the migratory behaviour and ethnic and religious structures of the country have been published for the first time. All the maps show the current demographic situation according to the results of the 2001 population census. These data have been supplemented with older archive data. All information has been updated to the current state of administrative organisation so that the themes and periods can be easily compared. As has been pointed out, a number of time series maps, presented for the first time for all major demographic topics, is another unique feature of this atlas.

The demographic maps are supplemented by basic data on the administrative division and physical environment. While administrative data are essential for the geographic reference of the statistical data, physical data allow for an overall geographic reference. To illustrate spatial interrelation between demographic structures and the physical environment, plastic hill shading models of 1:1.5 million and 1:750,000 scales, respectively, have been developed for this atlas and added to all country maps.

3.5 Visualisation

In line with the overall objectives and targeted audience of an Albanian AIS, clear, distinctive, at the same time easy-to-comprehend and aesthetically appealing visualisation of the demographic structures has been the focus of map model-ing. Visualisation is based on the classic principles of thematic cartography (e.g. Arnberger 1966, Witt 1970, Imhof 1972, Salistschew 1967) as well as current research and development on geographic visualisation (e.g. DiBiase 1990, MacEachren 1994, Slocum et al. 2004, Taylor 1994). This ensures that the map models developed comply with the traditionally high central European quality standards of mapping. To the user such method-based quality maps are pleasing, easy-to-read and easy-to-explore.

As has been pointed out, the GIS platform in which the atlas data are stored and processed lacks the graphic functional-ity imperative to meet these requirements (Monmonier/Johnson 1991). To facilitate adequate, appealing, at the same time efficient cartographic visualisation commercial graphics software is employed for proper map modeling. Its func-tionality supports the full range of graphic composition and design.

The types of maps were selected according to statistical raw data. Almost all data refer to the administrative area of the prefecture or district and can therefore be reproduced according to the statistical method in choropleth maps. These analytical or single layer maps, the most popular visualisation of demographic phenomena, has been selected for 12 themes. Most of the cartograms are supplemented by diagram maps with range-graded symbols or diagrams (47 maps; Fig. 1). These complex analytical or double layer maps increase the explanatory power and enables contextually related relative and absolute figures to be compared. Locational data on population distribution are presented in analytical dot maps (2 maps; Fig. 2). The geographic reference of these partly range-graded dot symbols representing absolute values requires a larger map scale.

Most maps are without map lettering (e.g. of administrative areas, district towns etc.) in order not to clutter the informa-tion visualised. However, to facilitate easy locational reference of the respective data, the atlas comes with a transpar-ency of current administration structures, which can be overlapped on the 1:1.5 million scale thematic maps. In addi-tion, the demographic maps have been supplemented with nine maps giving basic information on the location, physical environment and administrative organisation.

Figure 1: AGPS map types � diagram map

Figure 2: AGPS map types � dot map

3.6 Graphic design

Formal unity of analog map products, whether conventional paper atlases or digital AIS, is not only the result of consis-tent map modeling but also the effect of an all-embracing graphic design. One objective of the AGPS was to develop a distinctive graphic design for maps, text, and book cover the underlying structure of which can be transferred to other volumes or electronic versions. The AGPS�s graphic design intends to make the atlas clearly stand out from other atlas products. More important, map composition, colouring, typography and layout do effectively support the cartographic presentation and visual analysis of the demographic data. Both graphic composition and cartographic visualisation con-tribute to an easy-to-recognise �branding� of the NAIS product line (Fig.3).

Figure 3:AGPS graphic design � atlas cover

4 PRODUCTION OF THE AGPS � PROOF OF CONCEPT One reason to produce the AGPS has been to test and evaluate the practical application of the overall concept developed for an Albanian AIS. As a major proof of concept all project partners decided to create the AGPS as a conventional paper atlas. While data acquistion, preprocessing and printing have been carried out in Albania, the creation of the GIS data base, data processing and visualisation has been completed in Germany. All tasks have been executed by mixed German-Albanian teams to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer. Selected aspects of the workflow devised for atlas production are briefly discussed below.

4.1 Workflow

Commercial GIS software is the core of a completely digital workflow to produce atlas products like the AGPS. As has been mentioned, GIS functionality presently does not meet the requirements of cartographic map modeling. To combine data storage and processing with high quality geovisualisation, a workflow has been designed integrating both compo-nents (Fig.4).

Map production starts with the import of thematic and topographic base data into a commercial GIS program (Arc-view). The imported data are subsequently stored, processed and administered in the GIS. The non-graphic digital ob-ject models of the respective regions stored in the GIS data base are then transformed into graphic models by exporting them into a commercial graphics program (Freehand) by means of a dedicated graphics filter (Mapublisher). This filter facilitates the export of the layered thematic data into the graphics software by retaining layers. Thus the imported the-matic layers can be assigned its graphic features one by one. Extensive graphic functionalities provided by

Figure 4: AGPS workflow

the graphics software allow for data based map construction in full compliance with the requirements of thematic car-tography. For paper map production colour separated map files are finally produced from the graphics program. This workflow is based on both Windows and Macintosh microcomputers connected in a heterogenous local network. Win-dows computers are required because most commercial GIS are available for Windows (and Unix) platforms. In fact Windows computers have been established as the standard platform for GIS use in the last decade, whereas Macintosh computers are the standard graphics platform ever since the early days of Desktop Publishing in the mid 1980s. The use of both computer platforms ensures the best possible results in graphic as well as non-graphic map modeling. The work-flow can easily be extended to produce screen maps for electronic atlas versions from the graphics software.

4.2 Map construction

Once the GIS data have been imported into commercial graphics software of the desktop publishing category via the graphics filter, the extensive graphics features are used to construct thematic maps, which can easily communicate their topic. Map models of almost every kind can be visualised readily and flexibly conforming with the methods of thematic cartography. Map construction with desktop publishing graphics software is a standard commercial way of map produc-tion since the late 1980s termed �Desktop Mapping� in analogy to the underlying Desktop Publishing concept (Asche/Herrmann 1991, Whitehead/Hershey 1991). For the few cartographic methods not supported by graphics soft-ware, specific plug-ins are used or developed, e.g. for data-based diagram generation within the graphics software. From the graphic maps files stored in the graphics program, colour-separated map files can be produced for hardcopy output as well as screen map files for softcopy display.

4.3 Atlas printing

In line with the objectives of the AIS concept the AGPS has been produced as a conventional paper atlas in one volume. While the actual printing and bookbinding of the atlas has been executed in Albania, printing films have been produced in Germany to guarantee high quality hardcopy. The whole printing process has been organised according to a standard-ised workflow which can be also be employed to produce future atlas volumes.

For financial reasons and the necessity of technology and knowledge transfer the AGPS was printed and bound in Al-bania, a country which has little tradition of high quality printing, let alone map printing. Thus the atlas printing can be considered an ambitious technical project proofing the concept of a joint Albanian-German AIS production. This deci-sive task has been be tackled in cooperation with a modern Albanian printing factory (Ilar, Tirana) the owners of which

took the challenge of the first high quality map printing in the country. The print process was overseen by a German printer from the cartography department of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences with extensive experience in map printing. During the printing operations the Albanian printing staff received on-the-job training to qualify them for their respective tasks.

A total of 660 printing films processed in Germany have been assembled in Albania for 96 print plates of eight pages each. The print plates have been printed on a modern four-colour offset printing machine (Heidelberger Speedmaster) in 72.0 x 102 cm print format on 135 g/m2 art paper. The printed paper was then halved into 72.0 x 51.0 cm format which subsequently was folded and cut to the final page format of 24.0 x 29.0 cm. The atlas pages were then thread-stitched and bound in a laminated book cover.

Judging from the existing conventional atlas volume, the AGPS can justly be considered a proof of concept. The printed product show that high quality production is feasible in Albania under the problematic conditions of the transformation process. The atlas can thus be compared with similar printed regional and national atlas products without any problem. Strict quality control to ensure uniform quality of printing and bookbinding throughout a complete edition will however have to be intensified in future paper atlas productions. Achieving consistent hardcopy quality can also be aided by standardising the complete printing process including the integration of state-of-the art innovations like computer-to-plate printing technology.

5 RESULTS AND PERSPECTIVES The production of an atlas prototype in the framework of a multinational pilot project has proved the feasibility of an AIS project in Albania in the continuing transformation process of this south east European reform state. The results of the pilot project show that cooperation of Albanian, Kosovarian, Romanian and German partners based on equal footing is successful in laying the cornerstone of an ambitious AIS project in Albania. Reactions from users, public and media demonstrate that the atlas concept is able to address the targeted audience. The demographic atlas maps play a major role in current discussions of demographic issues in the country. At the same time the AGPS volume is recognised as a competitive commercial book product on a national level, as Albanian sales figures indicate. Moreover, the AGPS pilot project has created a framework which can be employed for the development and production of supplementing volumes and electronic versions.

The positive experience of multinational cooperation in the AGPS pilot project have led all project participants to con-tinue their collaboration by developing a second atlas which focuses on the economic structures and development in the transformation period. A proposal has been submitted and evaluated favourably. It is hoped that work can progress by the end of this year. Conceptions for further products like a political or an environmental atlas have already been devel-oped. This is paralleled by ongoing efforts to produce a complementary electronic version of the AGPS. It is planned to make a prototype available on the internet some time in 2005.

Acknowledgement The financial and other support of the Albanian-German cooperation project, in which the AGPS has been developed and produced is gratefully acknowledged by all project participants (geographers and cartographers from the universi-ties of Tirana (AL), Prishtina (KS), Bucharest (ROM) and Potsdam (D), the Albanian Academy of Sciences (AL) and the University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe (D)). The following institutions have sponsored the project: DAAD � German Academic Exchange Service, HRK � German Association of Universities and Other Higher Education Institu-tions, Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe and German Foreign Office.

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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE (OF PRESENTING AUTHOR) Dr Hartmut Asche is Professor of Geoinformation Science and Cartography at the Department of Geography of Pots-dam University, Germany. Educated as a geographer, he worked with the renowned German atlas publishing house �Georg Westermann� as map editor of school, thematic and remote sensing atlases before returning to academia. His research interests include geovisualisation, atlas cartography, geoinformation science and disaster management. His publications include articles and books on thematic cartography and geoinformation science, i.a. he co-authored the chapter �Thematic Cartography� in ICA�s textbook �Basic Cartography�, volume two. He chairs the Commission on National and Regional Atlases of the German Cartographic Society.