Multi-Focused Geospatial Analysis Using Probes

Abstract

Traditional geospatial information visualizations often present views that restrict the user to a single perspective. When zoomed out, local trends and anomalies become suppressed and lost; when zoomed in for local inspection, spatial awareness and comparison between regions become limited. In our model, coordinated visualizations are integrated within individual probe interfaces, which depict the local data in user-defined regions-of-interest. Our probe concept can be incorporated into a variety of geospatial visualizations to empower users with the ability to observe, coordinate, and compare data across multiple local regions. It is especially useful when dealing with complex simulations or analyses where behavior in various localities differs from other localities and from the system as a whole. We illustrate the effectiveness of our technique over traditional interfaces by incorporating it within three existing geospatial visualization systems: an agent-based social simulation, a census data exploration tool, and an 3D GIS environment for analyzing urban change over time. In each case, the probe-based interaction enhances spatial awareness, improves inspection and comparison capabilities, expands the range of scopes, and facilitates collaboration among multiple users.

Multi-focus and multi-level techniques for visualization and analysis of networks with thematic data

“…The use of bubbles instead of solid lines distinguishes between graph edges (solid lines) and anchors (bubble lines). This feature, which can be seen as an extension of probes proposed earlier 28,41 to graphs, should be useful to any system that has more than one level of representation.…”

“…Shoemaker and Gutwin 30 further investigated techniques to support multipoint interaction. Also, multi-focus analysis has been studied by Butkiewicz et al, 28 who describe probe interfaces for geospatial visualization, and Elmqvist et al, 29 who exploit space folding to guarantee visibility of multiple focus regions. Probes have also been used to connect video playback windows with an overview of a video collection.…”

“…NetEx gives the analyst a familiar graph view with modified layout to focus on multiple parts simultaneously using a distinct bubble attachment to other visually associated views. We integrate existing techniques 28,31,38 to improve multi-concept combination comparisons. The visualization technique considers overview+detail as well as focus+context, in a seamless fashion.…”

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Many researchers have investigated approaches for efficient representation of multi-dimensional data. [22][23][24][25][26][27] Multi-focus interaction [28][29][30] and the use of multiple coordinated views [31][32][33][34][35] to facilitate comparison have been studied as well.…”

“…We leverage existing techniques such as visual style, zooming, and details-on-demand with click-and-drag features. [38][39][40] By building on previous work on multi-focus analysis using probes, 28,41,42 we develop a visualization tool that enriches node-edge representation of networks by providing easy access to thematic data which can not easily be embedded directly in the graph structure. Combining multiple techniques might help orient a deeper analysis of a network.…”