Computers and Art

The use of computers in art is not new: examples are given of past and present applications. Three categories are mentioned: computer as tool, as origin of concepts and metaphors, and as controller. The use of the computer in art gives rise to the idea of computing as representation- rather than just information-processing. Thus the computer can be said to 'belong' to artists and designers, and can be seen as a qualitative device. It is argued that computing is 'really' an art or design activity, and that this has implications for art, design and computing.     

Adaptive Zooming in Web Cartography

Beyond any doubt much of the current web mapping and web GIS applications lack cartographic quality. Thereasons aren't only the technical limitations related to Internet delivery, but also the neglect of one of the maincartographic principles of digital mapping, namely adaptive zooming. Adaptive zooming describes the adjustmentof a map, its contents and the symbolization to target scale in consequence of a zooming operation. The approachdescribed in this paper proposes the combination of two commonly known concepts: on the one hand levelsof detail (LoD) for those object classes, that require high computational cost for the automated generalizationprocess (e.g. buildings, road network); on the other hand an on‐the‐fly generalization for those object classeswhich can be generalized by less complex methods and algorithms (e.g. rivers, lakes). Realizing such interactiveand dynamic concept for web mapping requires the use of vector based visualization tools. The data format bestmeeting the criteria is the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Thus, it has been used to implementthe presented ideas in a prototype application for topographic web mapping based on the landscape modelVECTOR25 of the Swiss Federal Office of Topography.     

Computers and human consciousness

Of all objects, computers are unique in that they can be programmed to conform actively with our conscious and unconscious values. Personal values embodied (projected) in a computer become objective reality for others; the computer paves the way for a great evolutionary expansion of consciousness or its most apalling repression.     

Computers and classical myths

This paper is a qualitative review of a series of classical myths which are or could be used as interpretative metaphors or similes for people, settings, and situations relating to the Computer World. It will look at basic, widely accepted terms like Trojan or Trojan horse, cyberphobia, or Project Athena. It will also infer others through an exercise in hermeneutical mythopoeia. Examples include Tantalus, representing the controlled obsolescence of technological resources, turning the user into a revived Sisyphus, or Theseus as a powerful anti-virus. Not forgetting the clumsy navigator, Odysseus or Ulysses, representing disperse, inefficient Internet users, and especially the great myth of the teacher Mentor, representing the power of information available on the Internet and searchable via Google.