Motivation

• Lots of data (esp. geospatial, network)
• Lots of static, image visualizations
• More tools emerging for these
• Images loose depth, complexity of data
• Lack of elegant, easy-to-use tools for creating interactive visualizations

Existing libraries, tools

• Many Eyes
• Google Charts, Maps
• Simile Widgets
• Sigma.js, D3.js
• Miso
• Raphaël, Dojo Toolkit
• oCanvas
• Processing

Current parameters

• Native HTML5 visualizations
• CSS, HTML, SVG, Canvas (not Java, Flash, etc.)
• Standalone/Offline
• Can work in ebooks
• Can work on tablets once downloaded even if disconnected
• Network and geospatial data

Most importantly

• Easy to use
• Online interfaces to move from datafile to visualization

Why interactive?

• Multidimensionality of data (esp. 'Big Data')
• Encourage user/reader exploration
• Find specific values without returning to source data

What types of visualizations?

• Network diagrams
• World choropleth maps
• Spatial treemaps

Project roadmap

• June:
• Survey existing libraries, tools
• Release intial mockups
• Solitict requirements, feedback
• July:
• Mockups iterated with new features
• Code cleaned, extensive browser testing
• August/September:
• Development of online hosted wizards
• Iterative progression with user feedback
• Final releases, sustainability plans

Next steps and You

• Feedback, needed features
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• http://blogs.oii.ox.ac.uk/vis
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