FlowingData Forums » Data Visualization

Data visualisation

Started 2 years ago by iancarr00 / 7 posts

  1. iancarr00
    Member
    Posted 2 years ago #

    I am working on a project that requires dynamic graphic representation of numeric outputs from a spreadsheet/database. So far, I have come up with different graphic ideas of representing this data. I have used Adobe illustrator to draw the graphic shapes but I would like them to be dynamic.

    So like how you can use the illustrator graph wiz to link to a spread sheet. I would like to change individual shapes colour and size dependent on what is in the spreadsheet/database.

    Would illustrator's import scrips enable me to draw using Java script which extract data from another source?
    Are there any plugging that can do this? Or can I write one?

    Are there any other programs which can draw dynamic shapes, flash and action script?

    Hope to hear from you soon.

  2. nathany
    FlowingData Editor
    Posted 2 years ago #

    according to this talk illustrator does have a javascript interface:

    http://flowingdata.com/2008/04/17/3-rules-of-thumb-when-designing-visualization/

    i've never tried it though.

    there are a lot of programs for dynamic shapes. what you use though depends a lot on what you want it for. python, processing, flash, javascript, php. do you have a specific use in mind? i might be able to give a better recommendation :)

  3. iancarr00
    Member
    Posted 2 years ago #

    Thanks, that was actually really good and very similar to what I am trying to do.

    Basically, I am a graphic designer with, a expanding knowledge of programing, who has been asked to develop new concepts of visualizing data. Very similar to the link you posted.

    In fact you can view a prototype at

    http://iancarr.net/test.pdf

    The shapes have been draw in illustrator. But the data comes from a spreadsheet and its been manually drawn. My client likes the concept and wants my shapes to be dynamic. So when the spreadsheet changes the shapes chance accordingly. Eg higher the value more rings appear for that specific object.

    I am thinking of using flash. Which I use as a designer not a programer. But how can I link the spreadsheet (or database) dynamically to the shapes in flash?

    Or like in your link, will it be easier to write a java script for illustrator?

    Remember, I am a graphic designer not a programer so the less programming the better.... but if needs must I will learn a script language, but which one. Ultimately the client would prefer a web based interface so I think I will think I will leave illustrator for flash.

    I hope you can help.

    Thanks,
    Ian

  4. iancarr00
    Member
    Posted 2 years ago #

    What about Silverlight?

  5. nathany
    FlowingData Editor
    Posted 2 years ago #

    if it's going to be a web-based interface, and since you have flash experience, i'd go with flash, and learn a little bit of actionscript.

    maybe this will help you get started:

    http://actionscriptexamples.com/2008/02/26/loading-text-files-using-the-urlloader-class-in-actionscript-30/

    all the stuff i've done in flash has been in pure actionscript, so i'm not completely sure how it works in the Flash environment, but i know that it's similar. Place some actionscript in a frame... or something like that...

  6. iancarr00
    Member
    Posted 2 years ago #

    What about flex and air?

  7. nathany
    FlowingData Editor
    Posted 2 years ago #

    honestly, you can do a lot of the same stuff with different tools, so the best i think is to pick one and go with it. Air is essentially flash and actionscript. Flex has its own markup and can also have actionscript.

    i'd go with flash still since you have a little bit of experience with it already.


Reply

You must log in to post.

About this Topic