Until my developer DIED we were coding a geographically based data-agnostic decision tool as a plugin for NASA’s WorldWind 3d globe viewer.

This would allow layering of almost anything including input from SMS to enable comparison and contrast also linkages between global phenomena.

One great example illustrates immunization rates from UNMDG .csv over the past 20 years. It highlights where best improvement and declines occurred then we would layer funding networks and colorize conflict zones.

It would be just as easy to chart poor growing conditions against weapons sales to identify key regions for some ‘preventative maintenance’.

Many of Tufte’s examples are geographically based and it occurs to me that abstract data realms can be interesting but bringing this study back to real life has a much finer purpose.

I even think Enron’s email would yield some understanding if the physical locations were incorporated with localized information. How many of Ken Lay’s more aggregious decisions were made from Crawford Tx? Or some “undisclosed” bunker location under the US Naval Observatory?

I am eager to learn more and be involved in the practical application of data vis. Thank you for starting the conversation.

I particularly liked how Manuel considered the convergence of different trends driving visualization. These ranged from the obvious, like social media and open data, to the less obvious (to me at least!) like cheaper storage costs and complex scandals like Enron.

With regard to the discussion about “useless” visualizations, I think Say’s Law will apply here. It will be interesting to see what uses evolve from visualizations that, for now, seem more aesthetic than functional.

Couldn’t agree more.

While the significance of turning sound waves into a painting were slightly lost on me, i couldn’t help marvel at the form they had taken. Immensely powerful. Take a look at www. orka-m.com…cheers