Telos Engineering

Personal explorations of science and technology by Matt Howes

Seeing the whole picture

We often need to look at complex data using the tools easily available (Excel, Tableau, etc.).   If the data is complex, these tools can only give us a limited perspective at any given view.  It’s like trying to visualize an elephant in the dark when you only have a small flashlight.     

But by using newer Javascript libraries and virtual reality tools, we’re getting more and more options.   

The following video shows a simple visualization I’ve made to explore people moving between states.  

 About the visualization: 

  • The size of the column and its vertical height is based on the state population.
  • The diameter of the tube indicates how many people are moving.  
  •  The arrow direction show which way people are moving.

Coming soon: 

  • Ability to click on the state or flow and get a summary table. 
  • Shading of the states to indicate whether they’re net growing or shrinking. 
  • etc.

Hit me up on LinkedIn if you have questions or feedback…