MAP-VERSE: MAP Usability - Validated Empirical Research by Systematic Evaluation

Abstract. This paper introduces MAP-VERSE (MAP Usability - Validated Empirical Research by Systematic Evaluation), an open metadata repository designed to address the lack of accessible and consistently reported datasets in map usability research. Currently, researchers face challenges in discovering and reusing relevant data due to the absence of centralized platforms and standardized reporting practices. This hinders reproducibility, comparative analyses, and the development of predictive models for map usability. MAP-VERSE tackles these challenges by establishing core metadata dimensions for describing map usability datasets; defining validity criteria for best practice datasets to ensure methodological rigor and transparency; developing a user-friendly search interface for efficient data discovery; and proposing strategies to encourage standardized metadata reporting. The repository currently features curated metadata for nine existing open-access datasets encompassing various map types, tasks, and methods. Future work includes expanding the repository, implementing automated validation, and promoting standardized reporting practices through templates and guidelines. MAP-VERSE aims to foster open data sharing and collaboration, ultimately advancing our understanding of human-map interaction and improving map design.