Interface patterns: "Coordinates, measurements"

"Coordinates, measurements" describes a pattern commonly used when representing measured data to humans.  Presenting measurements associated with coordinates on a graph helps people intuitively grasp complex sets of spatial data.  Graphs can be as simple as the timeline of last night's party or as complex as a three dimensional map of asteroids less than a light year away.

"iSPOTS" represents wireless devices as geographical points on a map of the campus.  The exhibit will be open until January 13, 2006.  Study hall is less often desirable when there's a comfy couch at the coffee shop next door.  Data collected will influence how student services money is spent.

"Simcity" represents urban health indicators such as "traffic congestion" and "police coverage" as spots of colors on a map of the city.  Recurring congestion in a downtown area indicated that it was time to consider replacing a high-rise office building with a park (or build a light rail).  This visualization could identify local or city-wide issues quickly and clearly.

"Moodteller" represents the self-described "mood" of LiveJournal's recent posts as line graphs.  Their predictions of "happy" have are very accurate, with minor fluctuations.  Predictions of "horny" are less accurate.  Those nervous about social interaction should meet with others for breakfast, when they're less likely to feel anxious.

"Ridefinder" represents the position of taxicabs in various cities as waypoints on an interactive map.  The taxi parking area at the Caltrain station is popular when the trains are running.  Combined with location data from users taxi drivers could more effectively locate passengers scattered throughout the city.

"Bio Mapping" represents the strength of galvanic skin response measurements on a map of a city.  Present a "mood" poll to citizens at high-response locales.  Social activitsts should select locations where emotions run high for maximal effect.  Thought police could investigate emotional outbursts resulting from criminal actions.