Seeing vs. Reading Maps
Another good example of how the Bartons' see the use of panoptic modes is with the "seeing" versus "reading" map. Clearly the reading map offers a more efficient means of getting information on land values in France. Not only is it easier to pick up trends in the seeing map (e.g., what areas have the highest value), the viewer can also pick up more specific information about the actual price. The Bartons praise this type of map because it privileges less information than a reading map. And I think throughout the article the authors' point is that producers of technical visuals should use the panoptic mode as a means of privileging the least amount of information because viewers are empowered when information is on equal ground.
Panoptic
Modes 
Panoptic
Modes of Hypertext 
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