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FlowingData Forums » Forum: - Recent Topics http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Strength in Numbers en Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:37:08 +0000 Dealing with clunky labels (like income levels) http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/dealing-with-clunky-labels-like-income-levels#post-2526 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:59:05 +0000 KevinP 2526@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ I live in Korea and making various charts regarding schooling based on some data I have. One of the charts regards monthly income level, but the labels are very lengthy, especially as I have to use local currency.This gives me levels like: W100,000 or below W100,100,000 to 20,010,000 W200,100,010 to 30,010,000 (etc) W70,010,010 or above The two categories at the extremes are okay, but the middle ones (xxxx to xxxx) are awfully long and look horrible on a pie chart. (It sorta has to be a pie or donut chart because I'm setting up other pie charts next to it for comparison; otherwise a bar graph would be better.) I can't just put '(upper limit) or below' because, even though most people would understand it, it's inaccurate. These categories do not include the previous one. I may have to put in a legend, but I'm resisting this because legends make data less obvious as the eye has to bounce back and forth between the legend and the graph. Plus the other charts that it will be adjacent to do not need legends so I'd like to be consistent. Is there a simpler way to make these labels readable that I'm overlooking? (My audience is people residing in Korea so I have to kep the currency local. Converting it to $US makes some funky categories anyway.) Getting Started w/ your.flowingdata http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/getting-started-w-yourflowingdata#post-2525 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:54:59 +0000 eklypse 2525@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ I'd like to use yfd on a protected account. That is, anyone who wants to follow me must submit a request which I can then approve. I hoped that whatever automated feature that would cause yfd to follow back would thus generate such a request which I could then approve, but as yet, no request has appeared. I started following @yfd a couple hours ago, so I figured the request would appear by now. Is there anything I can do to make this work (short of turning off the privacy on my account)? Thanks in advance! SVG map of Canadian Census tracts http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/svg-map-of-canadian-census-tracts#post-2521 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:22:26 +0000 fuller.daniel 2521@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hi, I just did the US county themed map tutorial. I would like to do something similar with Canadian census tracts and census data. Has anyone come across a Canadian census tract SVG file? I've done some searching and haven't found anything. If one is not available any suggestions on creating a SVG file for Canadian census tracts. Thanks, Dan Changing scale of a treemap http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/changing-scale-of-a-treemap#post-2516 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:20:03 +0000 elmany 2516@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hi, I'm follow the wonderful tutorial: <a href="http://flowingdata.com/2010/02/11/an-easy-way-to-make-a-treemap/" rel="nofollow">http://flowingdata.com/2010/02/11/an-easy-way-to-make-a-treemap/</a> But I've been looking for a way to change the scale without luck. Can someone help me with this? Tanks in advance Freelance Project: JavaScript DataViz Canvas Developer http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/freelance-project-javascript-dataviz-canvas-developer#post-2519 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:09:11 +0000 useallfive 2519@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Use All Five is looking for a talented and passionate JavaScript Developer to join our team as soon as possible for a high profile data visualization project. Use All Five is a digital agency located in Venice, CA. We rock n' roll with an array of exciting brands (Google, YouTube, HP and more), as well as cutting-edge agencies (Saatchi, BBDO, Chiat Day, etc.) We’re collaborative, informed, and flexible, with the simple goals of exceeding each client’s expectations, and having an incredible time doing it. Requirements <ul> <li>Solid skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and cross browser implementations.</li> <li>Experience and knowledge about the cool stuff in CSS3.</li> <li>JavaScript framework experience, preferably Closure. But you know your way around the DOM, AJAX, and JSON regardless.</li> <li>Knowledge of optimizing CSS/JavaScript performance, by coding practices and tools.</li> <li>Knowledge and/or use of HTML5 (Canvas, WebGL, etc).</li> <li>Knowledge in how to gracefully degrade. </li> <li>Experience in a version control system like SVN or Git.</li> <li>Exceptional collaboration, listening, written, and verbal communication. Able to own individual projects as well as the ability to work within a team.</li> </ul> ++ Points <ul> <li>Portfolio, GitHub (or other open-source account), list of published works.</li> <li>Experience with Google Closure Toolkit or Python.</li> </ul> Apply <a href="mailto:hellofellows@useallfive.com" rel="nofollow">Email us</a> links (no attachments) to recent work samples and a little bit about you. Visualizing your travel history http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/visualizing-your-travel-history#post-2510 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:15:19 +0000 patrick.stewart 2510@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ *I do work at TripIt, so...just a disclaimer. Design student Cemre Güngör completed his master's thesis this last December using his TripIt data to visualize his travels in 2011 in some very creative ways. Congrats to him for graduation and looking forward to more personal data visualizations! Some of his work: <a href="http://work.cem.re/#1229609/Travel-visualisation" rel="nofollow">http://work.cem.re/#1229609/Travel-visualisation</a> Flikr: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/f/sets/72157628396293399/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/f/sets/72157628396293399/</a> Hiring: Data Visualization designer in NYC http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/hiring-data-visualization-designer-in-nyc#post-2515 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:15:01 +0000 Jim Anness 2515@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ I am looking for a data visualization designer for a prestigious consulting firm in NYC. This will be a long-term consulting role. Hours can be full-time or flexible and you should be local to the NYC metro area as you will need to meet with the group. Projects will vary greatly, but all will be data intensive. The designer will be responsible for researching project, crunching data, designing and presenting their interpretation. Interested candidates should email a CV and a portfolio link or samples to janness<at>redstreamtechnology<dot>com tools for a web 3D interactive map http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/tools-for-a-web-3d-interactive-map#post-2513 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:03:32 +0000 leosampieri 2513@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hi everybody!. New here. I'd like to know which tools I should use in order to make a 3D, web based, interactive and scalable map of media and entertainment companies. That is, I'd have a database with all the companies listed, and each company would have a series of data to be displayed: amount of employees, country of origin, market area where it belongs (radio, cinema, TV, etc.), and other data yet to be defined. Hope I could explain myself clearly enough. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Leo. Ongoing contract-Data Viz-NYC-Midtown http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/ongoing-contract-data-viz-nyc-midtown#post-2512 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:51:08 +0000 Laura Hunter 2512@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ My client in midtown is one of the worlds most respected publishers of country, industry and risk analysis. They are currently seeking a Data Visualization specialist. Someone who can turn raw data into online charts, indexes, infographics etc. This role will be doing the heavy lifting in collaboration with a small multidisciplinary team and is ongoing. They are hoping for someone on site full time. Interested parties will please email a resume with work samples to <a href="mailto:laura.hunter@vividresources.com" rel="nofollow">laura.hunter@vividresources.com</a> Thank you, Laura Hunter Creating Graphs in Illustrator (Quick Question) http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/creating-graphs-in-illustrator-quick-question#post-238 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:24:53 +0000 dparks 238@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hello, I've been reading FlowingData for the last six months or so. Wonderful site. I'm hoping posting small technical questions on this forum is acceptable. If not, please send me on my way (with a destination if you know one). My question. I'm trying to make my first graph in Illustrator and have run into one snag. The graph is a scatter plot with lines drawn between the data points. By default, illustrator represents the data points as small squares. I've been able to change the colour of these squares, but am wondering how (if) I can change their shape (say, from squares to circles). Any and all help is greatly appreciated. I've tried the usual google search, but have had limited success probably because I'm still learning the terminology used by Illustrator. What does illustrator call these little squares? Thanks, Donovan network and directed lines http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/network-and-directed-lines#post-2461 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:32:04 +0000 mich 2461@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hi, I have a question about the tutorial "How to map connections with great circles". Links of my network are directed and weighted; so I would like to draw arrows instead of lines (nice as lines), is there any way? Thank you very in advance! PhD in HCI for data visualization jobs? http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/phd-in-hci-for-data-visualization-jobs#post-2498 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:21:34 +0000 chloester 2498@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ I was wondering if I could get some advice from this forum. I am having a dilemma. I'm 3 years into a ~6-year PhD and I finally figured out that I want to do data visualization for Quantified Self related apps (e.g., apps that monitor what you do every day). Generally, making data viz for companies don't require a PhD or research experience, yet I really want to research how to represent data in ways that can get people to change their behavior (i.e., exercise more, be more sustainable) so that I can make more effective data visualizations. The end goal is still to make data visualizations, but with a better grounding of what makes them effective. I may never do research again for the rest of my life, and that's fine with me. But I've been told that many research contributions don't have a place in the "real world," or that the only way to generate meaningful knowledge about visualizations is to research it. Essentially, that getting a PhD is only good for an academic or research career, and making progress in the industry require different skills and focus. Is it possible to do both? I'm wondering several things now: 1. Has anyone applied their PhD knowledge to an industry job? How did it work out? 2. Does working in data viz mean that there is more middle ground between the two contributions? More importantly, will my future employers admire that I have done the research and have grounding for the way I approach my work? Will they care at all, or do they just want someone with lots of data viz experience? 3. What other pieces am I missing here? Thanks for your time! I really appreciate any kind of advice regarding this. SEO Data Analyst - at Manta where technical & creative people thrive! http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/seo-data-analyst-at-manta-where-technical-creative-people-thrive#post-2506 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000 rhurlbert@manta.com 2506@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Want a new job in 2012 where your talent and ideas are rewarded? Want to work with one of the fastest growing social communities in the world? Then Manta is the place for you! We don’t mean to brag, but … -Manta is the largest online community dedicated entirely to small business. -Ranked the 3rd largest business news/research website by comScore -Millions of people come to Manta each day to buy from, partner with and connect to companies. -We get more web traffic than companies like Apple, CNN and Target. -Manta is in the top 40 most visited websites in the U.S. with over 30 million visits per month. -Manta is included in Business Insider’s SAI Digital 100: The World’s Most Valuable Startups. Fueled by our on-going success, Manta is seeking a Search Engine Optimization Data Analyst to analyze large data sets, or "big data" and generate reports to help Manta understand traffic and search trends. The candidate will be expected to create new internal processes and methods to analyze data and support the Search Team. Proven success in driving key business decisions through big data analysis in a business environment is key. If you’re ready for a workplace that is fast-paced and sometimes hectic but also rewarding and fun – then join the team at Manta! The successful candidate will be interested in the following: SEO Data Analyst • Monitor, track, and report on organic search metrics. • Develop prototypes and metrics that can be used to drive business decisions. • Create, maintain and grow internal tools and processes. • Communicate insights clearly to non-technical people within Manta Qualifications: • 3+ years of data analysis with large data sets. • Master’s degree in applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, or equivalent work experience. • Proficiency in statistical analysis. • Proficiency with scripting languages and REGEX. • Experience with big data tools a plus (e.g. Hadoop, Lucene). • Excellent SQL skills to analyze and report on large data sets. • Proven experience collaborating with multiple departments to maintain big picture of business goals. • Experience working in a startup or small to medium sized internet based company. • Excellent teamwork and communication skills. • A willingness to dig in when it’s crunch time. • Knowledge of SEO a plus, but not required. Launched in 2005, Manta is privately held and based in Columbus, Ohio (the hub of the Midwest and the 15th largest city in the U.S.). Visit our website at <a href="http://www.Manta.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.Manta.com</a> for more company information. Manta offers an attractive salary/benefits package that includes medical, dental, disability insurance, and 401(k). Additionally, we provide a generous time away from work, such as holidays, sick days and vacation. For consideration, please send your resume to: <a href="mailto:jobs@Manta.com" rel="nofollow">jobs@Manta.com</a> and mark the subject as: SEODataAnalystFlowingData EOE M/F/D/V JESS3 is hiring Information Designers! (best job in the world!!) http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/jess3-is-hiring-information-designers-best-job-in-the-world#post-2505 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:07:38 +0000 jess3 2505@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Please email <a href="mailto:jessethomas@jess3.com" rel="nofollow">jessethomas@jess3.com</a> a link to your work -- At JESS3 we take complex topics and large data sets and make them accessible through beautiful visuals. We are a creative interactive agency that specializes in the art of data visualization, adding context and meaning to the exponentially growing world of data around us. We challenge ourselves and our clients to push the limits of what creativity and engagement mean. Our services range from UI / UX, animation, content creation and digital PR to developing large-scale installations, social strategies, data visualizations and infographics. Our client roster is a cross between Fortune 500 giants, media empires and start-up power-houses, including Samsung, Nike, Washington Post, Facebook, NASA, National Geographic, foursquare, Microsoft, C-SPAN, Turner Broadcasting and Google. But it doesn't stop there. We also have a dedicated labs division, which funds and launches our own products for the social web. What's more, we regularly take on pro bono work for causes and issues in which we strongly believe. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., JESS3 also has physical offices in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Orlando. Additionally, we are proud to be an active part of the co-working communities in Philadelphia, Denver, Brooklyn, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. With nearly 30 full time team members and a network of over 300 trusted designers, researchers, animators, strategists and developers, JESS3 has a creative reach that spans multiple cities, countries, continents and perspectives. --- Key Accountabilities: To be able to communicate complex ideas to clients To be able to manage multiple projects To be able to manage multiple designers across multiple projects To be able to direct illustrators and designers, who may be working from your infographic wireframe To understand both large and social data sets To have the ability to see the narrative the client is looking to tell and visulalize that through relevant data sets and points To have the ability to keep is simple To be able to work and design for both static and motion (real-time) visualizations To be fast To have the ability to think wide and never settle for one solution Where to start :/ http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/where-to-start#post-2490 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:23:05 +0000 apj101 2490@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ My data visualization thus far is limited to excel, for which I'm a definite power user. I'm looking to add more jazz and creativity to the way I present data. I'm a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools used. I am an average programmer, In the past Ive done Java, C++, Basic, and Perl. Just ordered the Visualize This book. I guess...what are the main tools/things i should be focusing on learning. I get very excited by maps and would defiantly like to map things where possible, such as out sales patterns, customer details, shipment routes etc etc Thanks everyone !! Local mapping - smaller than county level http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/local-mapping-smaller-than-county-level#post-2485 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:55:22 +0000 mclarknc 2485@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hi - I'm new here. I'm a freelance software developer beginning to work in data visualization and data analysis. I'm beginning a project for my local public library. Simply, we want to map active library users to figure out where our patrons are (and where they aren't). I'm looking for some ideas on how to approach this. My initial thought is to use census tract maps. I thought about Google Maps, but clusters of markers don't appeal to me as much as a choropleth-style map showing relative density of patrons in the local area. Has anyone used census tract maps for choropleth mapping? Any suggestions on how to get started? Thanks in advance, Michael Using gapminder like they do in the video! http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/using-gapminder-like-they-do-in-the-video#post-1480 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:20:04 +0000 dc321 1480@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hello all - I recently started playing with Google Chart's Motion chart which is the same as Gapminder. However, I was wondering if there is a way to look WITHIN a country. For example, Gapminder has millions of year-country specific data. At some point in the video, Hans Rosling clicks on a country and 5 smaller bubbles come out of a country showing the quintiles within a country. Is there a similar way to work with our own data set so that if I want to include subpopulations within a country or other unit that I can do this? I am also open to using other programs that will have the same functionality. Thanks so much! Parsons Journal for Information Mapping Opportunity http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/parsons-journal-for-information-mapping-opportunity#post-2499 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:46:55 +0000 Katie4PJIM 2499@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ PJIM: Call for Submissions Abstracts due: February 13th, 2012 Full submissions due: March 19th 2012 The Parsons Journal for Information Mapping (PJIM) is calling for papers and projects for publication in the Spring Issue – The 2nd Issue of Volume IV. PJIM is an academic journal and online forum designed to share knowledge about information mapping and its related disciplines (information design, data/knowledge visualization, taxonomies, data analytics, informatics, information systems, and graphic interface design). PJIM is published quarterly by the Parsons Institute for Information Mapping and focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of information visualization. With each issue, the Journal aims to present novel ideas and approaches that advance the field of Knowledge Visualization through visual, engineering, and cognitive methods. We are interested in publishing original essays, academic manuscripts, interactive and non-interactive projects, and project documentation that address representation, processing, and communication of information. PJIM encourages interdisciplinary thinking and approaches. We are open to submissions regarding, but not limited to, the following disciplines: • Visual analysis and interpretation, • Social, political, or economic discourse surrounding information, distribution and use, • Cognition, thinking, and learning, • Visual and perceptual literacy, • Historical uses of information and imagery, and Semiotics PJIM accepts submissions in the following styles: • Traditional academic manuscripts that share empirical, methodological, and/or applied findings; • Research-based academic essays with proper citations; • Research –and/or interview – based articles; and • Interactive and non-interactive projects, accompanied by project documentations. PJIM does not accept “advertorials” or case studies of companies or commercial products. Abstract Submissions Must Include the Following Information • Authors (all): name, highest degree, mailing address, phone, fax, e-mail, and institutional affiliation as appropriate • Biography (all authors): a brief, 25-50 word biography • Title: title of your submission • Keywords: a list of 5-10 keywords • Abstract: description of the proposed, full submission, maximum of 250 words • Format: description of the format of the final submission and what PJIM should expect to receive from you • Technologies: description of project tools if applicable (e.g. URL, images, graphics, illustrations, etc.) All manuscripts and essays must be submitted and formatted in Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format. For more information and submission guidelines, visit <a href="http://piim.newschool.edu/journal/submissions" rel="nofollow">http://piim.newschool.edu/journal/submissions</a> About The Parsons Institute for Information Mapping The Parsons Institute for Information Mapping (PIIM) is a Research, Development, and Professional Services facility within The New School, located in New York City. PIIM’s mission is to advance the field of Knowledge Visualization through academic and commercial pursuits. PIIM researchers and staff disseminate their expertise in information categorization, knowledge representation, information taxonomy development, information logic and raking/scoring, knowledge visualization, and Graphic User Interface (GUI) and User Experience Design (UXD) by developing powerful tools and methods for decision makers and analysts. PIIM’s work seeks to increase decision maker and analyst cognition of complex data sets via efficient experiences and visualizations. In both its own research and its engagements with government agencies, corporations and other organizations, PIIM pushes the boundaries of information, engineering and visual design to develop new ways of thinking about information – and to build and deliver corresponding real world solutions. For more information, visit <a href="http://piim.newschool.edu" rel="nofollow">http://piim.newschool.edu</a> Contract: Visualization needed for Big 4 Auditor http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/contract-visualization-needed-for-big-4-auditor#post-2497 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:39:20 +0000 brandonoliver 2497@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ Hello Flowing Data Members. I've been a fan of this site for some time and I'm delighted to ring in my first post with a contract opportunity for the community. I'm an Analyst on the research team at a digital agency based in Toronto called <a href="http://socialmediagroup.com" rel="nofollow">http://socialmediagroup.com</a> There is an opportunity to create engaging data visualizations (both static and animated) for our client KPMG Canada and we'd like to receive project quotes from designers interested in the job. For more info on the project details, please email me at: brandon[dot]smith[at]socialmediagroup[dot]com We'd like to submit our client proposal on Jan 20 so please get in touch ASAP! Advice Requested: Analogy for Inverse Relationship http://forums.flowingdata.com/topic/advice-requested-analogy-for-inverse-relationship#post-2451 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:07:44 +0000 kstoneman 2451@http://forums.flowingdata.com/ I'd like the FD Forum's help in a issue vexing my team. I work with salespeople, about as far from data visualization and data sets as you can get. So I need very clear, simple ways of demonstrating data relationships. I work in dental insurance. We have several relationships which are inverse. For example, in a PPO environment, we create plans with steerage, meaning that the greater the consequence you have for going out-of-network, the lower the premiums will be. We have used a "steering wheel" diagram to demonstrate this: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72942466@N04/6581942567/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/72942466@N04/6581942567/</a> Recently, several people have commented that they couldn't get the relationship of the two: as the one piece increases, the other decreases. I've played with several different visual analogies, but with no success. My instinct is to use a graph to demonstrate, but that would confuse my audience more. Any and all suggestions and comments on how to improve comprehension are appreciated.