Web Maps and Their Algebra

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new mathematical framework and algebra for creating web maps that represent web spaces relationally, aiming to enhance interpretability for both humans and machines.

Contribution

It introduces a novel algebraic framework for web maps, extending traditional cartography to relational web spaces and exploring machine interpretability.

Findings

Framework enables relational web space mapping

Algebra supports interpretation by humans and machines

Feasibility demonstrated for web map applications

Abstract

A map is an abstract visual representation of a region, taken from a given space, usually designed for final human consumption. Traditional cartography focuses on the mapping of Euclidean spaces by using some distance metric. In this paper we aim at mapping the Web space by leveraging its relational nature. We introduce a general mathematical framework for maps and an algebra and discuss the feasibility of maps suitable for interpretation not only by humans but also by machines.