A follow-up on new mapping tools from the author of ‘The Exposed City: Mapping the Urban Invisibles’ (read a review of this great book here). Nadia Amoroso alerted me to a new endeavor called Data Appeal, which provides tools for visualization of data through mapping in order to engage people in new ways.
London – Economic activity w/ Green Space |
Ms. Amoroso sent me some information to give a snapshot of this new tool, which she describes as: “…a new way of geo-data visualization. This web-based application takes geo-referenced data files and generates beautifully designed 3D and animated maps. The application is ideal for anyone interested in transforming their data into powerful, communicative, and visually appealing messages.”
Toronto – Green Space in Neighborhoods |
As you can see, the aesthetic variations allow users to choose from many options of shapes and graphic tweaks such as color and transparency to fine-tune the end result. This flexibility gives option for a number of different iterations to provide more lively ‘datascapes’ which will hopefully engage users in new ways. A variation includes colors and different symbology, as seen below:
Ranking of Los Angeles Restaurants |
More from the site: “This application merges analytics, modeling and art into a new data visualization tool. In essence, it is a simplified GIS, and visual geo-analytics tool. The team at DataAppeal wanted to create an application in which individuals can analyze their data visually and at the same time have fun with their information, by designing it in a way that expresses the subject, and by transforming numbers in an artful way.”
Chicago Green Space – alternative view angle |
The exciting aspect of the service currently is that it is available free, at least for now. In the future, a premium version with advanced features, analytic options and more data-design options will be available. As Amoroso mentions, there has been lots of interest in the site from government agencies, municipalities, environmental agencies, universities, research groups, geography associations, market analysis research companies, news agencies, media groups, national defence agencies, healthcare institutions, social enterprise, telecommunication companies, cultural institutes, real estate agencies are typical users groups.
This tool has been created through a collaboration of GIS specialists and artists to ensure that data is displayed in a more visually appealing manner to create a stronger response to information. The tool builds on the dialogue from Amoroso and collaborators in her book, while providing a shared platform, easy data interface, and access to robust tools for customization and creation of maps for many uses.
Map with dashboard for customization |
Stay tuned, as I plan to interview Nadia to get some additional information on the development and future plans for Data Appeal and how it can continue to expand our ability to generate innovative map-landscapes. For now, check out the site, and peruse some of the features and demos to more – particularly some interactive sites related to New York City Population and Toronto Bars and Restaurant Ratings – where you can visit the map, data, and other pieces that go into the map creation and visualization.
very good