You would have noticed that youngsters have so much fun exploring a Map or a Globe and extracting information from it. Like many of us, I too enjoy querying Google Maps to plan a getaway, reduce travel time, understand location characteristics, and so on. Essentially, a Map displays and conveys information to us in ways which are very compelling to the adventure-craving side of us.
In this blog, I will demonstrate Five interesting ways to convey Map-based information. These methods are more effective in communicating the intended message than what a static 2D map can.
(Much thanks to Esri Training for enabling me to learn and practice these techniques)
1. Fly-Through Animation
Consider a situation where you want to display an Area under observation in a 'before & after' state of a particular project or an event e.g. Construction, Disaster etc. A 'fly-through' animation, as the name suggests, enables you to have a third-person, bird's eye view of the situation. In the video below, you can see a Fly-through visualization of Oso in Wisconsin, USA which was tragically impacted by a large mudslide on 22nd March 2014.
Video 1: Fly-through Animation - Oso Mudslide in 2014
3D rendering has been done using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) which gives a realistic feel to the view . The orange columns show the location of the houses which were impacted by the mudslide
2. 2D Animation through Time
This technique is helpful when the Map-based information one wishes to convey traverses various points in time i.e. is 'temporal' in nature. The 2D animation video below shows the routes which ships from three major European countries used throughout the year 1770. Information such as Frequency of journey, Routes used, and the Ports docked is being conveyed using this animation (CLIWOC has retrieved this data based on the logbooks filed by the captains of these ships).
Video 2: 2D Animation Video - European Seafaring Routes in 1770
You'll come to acknowledge the effectiveness of this technique by imagining how crude it would be to convey this exact data story on a static 2D Map. In case you are wondering, this is how the data looks in its static form. Just a meaningless jumble of coordinates!
3. Stop-Motion Animation
Let me evoke your memories of a Flipbook. The technique that is used is called 'Stop-Motion' wherein objects are manipulated in small increments between each frames so that they create an illusion of motion when switched sequentially and quickly. In this exercise, the situation continues from where we left off in the previous example.
We are now monitoring shipping activity on a particular route and will observe, from the Stop-Motion animation video below, which of the three journeys made on this route was completed in the fastest time in the year 1770.
Again, as you would realize, this is a very specific narrative which we wish to convey and it is very difficult to visualize this information using a static 2D Map.
Video 3: Route - from La Coruna in Spain to San Juan in Puerto Rico. Which journey (date) was the quickest?
4. StoryMaps
While this isn't necessarily a new 'technique' of designing and displaying Map-based information as such, I've included StoryMaps in this list because it is a wholesome way of presenting information in an interactive way to the readers and it integrates various cool features within the powerful Esri mapping platform. As the name suggests, StoryMaps enables one to narrate a thematic, map-based, digital story. Below you'll find a promo video of StoryMaps.
Video 4: Esri StoryMaps Introductory Video
Do have a look at this captivating StoryMap example - Mapping Mount Everest
(For the best viewing experience, register for a free account with ArcGIS Online if prompted, within).
5. Map-based Dashboards
Dashboards represents a revolutionary way of conveying specific Map-based information. With Dashboards, one can configure a dynamic Map Application with relative ease. These kind of dashboards are extremely useful to deploy in an Operational setting, be it business or social-themed in nature. On this note, I would urge you to explore the various super-impressive dashboards listed on Cool Maps. The Migration Trends & Crime Time dashboards are my personal favorites.
Should you like to explore Dashboards further, the video below will take you through the journey of creating an Operations Dashboard on Esri's mapping platform-
Video 5: Esri Operations Dashboard Introductory Video
Isn't this useful? I've written a detailed article on Dashboards which features several live examples of the application for diverse workflows. Have a look here.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to - Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities.
Our 'Mapping for Operations'-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this flyer. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,