Interactive visualization
of statistical information
OECD / ISTAT Seminar on
Dynamic Graphics
for Presenting Statistical Indicators
Rome, 5 – 6 March 2007
Hans-Joachim Mittag
University of Hagen, Germany
joachim.mittag@fernuni-hagen.de
www.fernuni-hagen.de/jmittag/en
Interactive visualization
of statistical information
1. Starting point:
The multimedia project “New Statistics”
2. Applications to official statistics
Dynamic data presentation
Interactive publication
3. Outlook
Combining data and interactive maps
Virtual libraries for the public
1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”
 E-learning project for statistics education
funded by the German government (until 2004)
 Consortium of 10 German universities
 Covers all topics of an introductory statistics course
 Goal: Improving the quality of statistics education
→ www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics
1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”
Development of e-learning modules for statistics education
(mainly for use at universities)
Pillars of the e-modules:
Statistical Lab:
ad-hoc analyses of userdefined data sets
Interactive experiments and
simulations (Java):
“trying out” statistical methods
Animations (Flash):
explanation of statistical
theory
Case studies:
“Real” life problems / data sets from
different sciences
→ www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics
Java applets: link “Library ..“
Publications: link „Project-related ..“
1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”
Examples (interactive visualization of statistical theory)
Virtual coin experiment:
→ Illustration
“Playing“ with
distribution parameters:
2. Applications to official statistics
Transfer: Educational world → Official statistics
Statistics education:
Interactive experiments / simulations
(user-controlled exploration of statistical methods)
→
Official statistics:
Interactive visualization of data / indicators
(user-controlled exploration of data sets)
2. Applications to official statistics
Examples (interactive visualization of data sets):
Unemployment rates in Europe
European e-Business Index
2. Applications to official statistics
Examples (interactive visualization of data sets):
Capital-city regions
Gross earnings in Europe
→ Illustration
2 . Applications to official statistics
Design principles for interactive data visualization
 Design as self-contained mini learning worlds
Example: Start with graphical data presentation but
do not hide numerical information and meta data
 Support user-controlled data exploration
Example: Provision of different graphical instruments enabling the
user to discover key information behind the data
 Avoid information overload and superficial show effects
Examples: not too many graphs simultaneously,
cautious use of colours, no blinking data points
2 . Applications to official statistics
Why Java-based?
 Usually no “plug-in” needed
 Standardized programming, use of class libraries
 Platform independence, online and offline use possible
 Almost unlimited technical possibilities:
animation (dynamic pyramids), inclusion of interactive maps
combination with content based on other platforms (Flash, SVG),
database connection
2 . Applications to official statistics
Stand-alone use of Java applets:
Online:
Via Web sites of statistical offices
http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/index.htm
Offline:
Dynamic PowerPoint presentation (press conferences)
CD-ROMs / DVDs complementing printed publications
Example: Eurostat Yearbook on Regions 2003
2 . Applications to official statistics
Use of Java applets as part of Web publications:
Added value of interactivity
2 . Applications to official statistics
Use of Java applets as part of Web publications
(cont.):
http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/interactive.htm
→ Illustration
3 . Outlook
The approach presented is only a starting point for further development
and refinement, preferably with experienced partners.
Next steps:
• Interface “large database – Java applets” (automatic updating)
• Integration of export and print functionalities
• Combination of Java and SVG developments
• Animation of Java applets as long as animation contributes
to a better understanding of the data
• Virtual libraries containing elements for data visualization
(in particular: “eye-catcher” based on international data)
3 . Outlook
Virtual libraries containing elements for
interactive data visualization
sharing between different content providers
(national / supranational statistical offices,
educational institutions); use for statistical training
“Eye-catcher” based on international data
Examples:
Interactive graphs for key indicators
Dynamic maps + information on indicators
Animated presentation of indicators over time
Interactive online publications for the public
Web links:
http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics
→ Path “Library .. / Official statistics”
http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/dsis/wages/information
→ Link “Interactive visualization of statistical information”
→ Link “Interactive publications”
Cooperation partners wanted !