Geo time information visualization

ABSTRACT

Analyzing observations over time and geography is a common task, but typically requires multiple, separate tools. The objective of our research has been to develop a method to visualize, and work with, the spatial inter-connectedness of information over time and geography within a single, highly interactive three-dimensional (3-D) view. A novel visualization technique for displaying and tracking events, objects and activities within a combined temporal and geospatial display has been developed. This technique has been implemented as a demonstrable prototype called GeoTime in order to determine potential utility. Capabilities include descriptive events and relationships, association analysis, event aggregation methods and geo-located linked charting. Initial evaluations have been with military users. However, we believe the concept is applicable to a variety of government and business analysis tasks.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Graphical user interfaces (GUI)

Additional Classification:
  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.3 PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
      Subjects: Time series analysis

  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human information processing
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.8 Database applications
          Subjects: Data mining
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Evaluation/methodology; Theory and methods

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.5 PATTERN RECOGNITION
      I.5.0 General
      I.5.4 Applications

  J. Computer Applications
  J.7 COMPUTERS IN OTHER SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Military

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
3-D information visualization, geospatial, interactive visualization, link analysis, spatiotemporal, visual data analysis