Transcript General
Interactive visualization of statistical information OECD / ISTAT Seminar on Dynamic Graphics for Presenting Statistical Indicators Rome, 5 – 6 March 2007 Hans-Joachim Mittag University of Hagen, Germany [email protected] www.fernuni-hagen.de/jmittag/en Interactive visualization of statistical information 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” 2. Applications to official statistics Dynamic data presentation Interactive publication 3. Outlook Combining data and interactive maps Virtual libraries for the public 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” E-learning project for statistics education funded by the German government (until 2004) Consortium of 10 German universities Covers all topics of an introductory statistics course Goal: Improving the quality of statistics education → www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” Development of e-learning modules for statistics education (mainly for use at universities) Pillars of the e-modules: Statistical Lab: ad-hoc analyses of userdefined data sets Interactive experiments and simulations (Java): “trying out” statistical methods Animations (Flash): explanation of statistical theory Case studies: “Real” life problems / data sets from different sciences → www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics Java applets: link “Library ..“ Publications: link „Project-related ..“ 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” Examples (interactive visualization of statistical theory) Virtual coin experiment: → Illustration “Playing“ with distribution parameters: 2. Applications to official statistics Transfer: Educational world → Official statistics Statistics education: Interactive experiments / simulations (user-controlled exploration of statistical methods) → Official statistics: Interactive visualization of data / indicators (user-controlled exploration of data sets) 2. Applications to official statistics Examples (interactive visualization of data sets): Unemployment rates in Europe European e-Business Index 2. Applications to official statistics Examples (interactive visualization of data sets): Capital-city regions Gross earnings in Europe → Illustration 2 . Applications to official statistics Design principles for interactive data visualization Design as self-contained mini learning worlds Example: Start with graphical data presentation but do not hide numerical information and meta data Support user-controlled data exploration Example: Provision of different graphical instruments enabling the user to discover key information behind the data Avoid information overload and superficial show effects Examples: not too many graphs simultaneously, cautious use of colours, no blinking data points 2 . Applications to official statistics Why Java-based? Usually no “plug-in” needed Standardized programming, use of class libraries Platform independence, online and offline use possible Almost unlimited technical possibilities: animation (dynamic pyramids), inclusion of interactive maps combination with content based on other platforms (Flash, SVG), database connection 2 . Applications to official statistics Stand-alone use of Java applets: Online: Via Web sites of statistical offices http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/index.htm Offline: Dynamic PowerPoint presentation (press conferences) CD-ROMs / DVDs complementing printed publications Example: Eurostat Yearbook on Regions 2003 2 . Applications to official statistics Use of Java applets as part of Web publications: Added value of interactivity 2 . Applications to official statistics Use of Java applets as part of Web publications (cont.): http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/interactive.htm → Illustration 3 . Outlook The approach presented is only a starting point for further development and refinement, preferably with experienced partners. Next steps: • Interface “large database – Java applets” (automatic updating) • Integration of export and print functionalities • Combination of Java and SVG developments • Animation of Java applets as long as animation contributes to a better understanding of the data • Virtual libraries containing elements for data visualization (in particular: “eye-catcher” based on international data) 3 . Outlook Virtual libraries containing elements for interactive data visualization sharing between different content providers (national / supranational statistical offices, educational institutions); use for statistical training “Eye-catcher” based on international data Examples: Interactive graphs for key indicators Dynamic maps + information on indicators Animated presentation of indicators over time Interactive online publications for the public Web links: http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics → Path “Library .. / Official statistics” http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/dsis/wages/information → Link “Interactive visualization of statistical information” → Link “Interactive publications” Cooperation partners wanted !