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Visualization Atlases: Explaining and Exploring Complex Topics through Data, Visualization, and Narration

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Xinhuan ShuORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 1995-2012 IEEE.This paper defines, analyzes, and discusses the emerging genre of visualization atlases. We currently witness an increase in web-based, data-driven initiatives that call themselves 'atlases' while explaining complex, contemporary issues through data and visualizations: climate change, sustainability, AI, or cultural discoveries. To understand this emerging genre and inform their design, study, and authoring support, we conducted a systematic analysis of 33 visualization atlases and semi-structured interviews with eight visualization atlas creators. Based on our results, we contribute (1) a definition of a visualization atlas as a compendium of (web) pages aimed at explaining and supporting exploration of data about a dedicated topic through data, visualizations and narration. (2) a set of design patterns of 8 design dimensions, (3) insights into the atlas creation from interviews and (4) the definition of 5 visualization atlas genres. We found that visualization atlases are unique in the way they combine i) exploratory visualization, ii) narrative elements from data-driven storytelling and iii) structured navigation mechanisms. They target a wide range of audiences with different levels of domain knowledge, acting as tools for study, communication, and discovery. We conclude with a discussion of current design practices and emerging questions around the ethics and potential real-world impact of visualization atlases, aimed to inform the design and study of visualization atlases.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Wang J, Shu X, Bach B, Hinrichs U

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics

Year: 2025

Volume: 31

Issue: 1

Pages: 437-447

Print publication date: 01/01/2025

Online publication date: 20/09/2024

Acceptance date: 15/07/2024

Date deposited: 17/11/2024

ISSN (print): 1077-2626

ISSN (electronic): 1941-0506

Publisher: IEEE Computer Society

URL: https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2024.3456311

DOI: 10.1109/TVCG.2024.3456311

ePrints DOI: 10.57711/3q24-pc21

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