Modified Helix Structures for Visualizing Maximum Daily Temperature Data
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Kennelly, P.; 2League, C.
1LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Email: patrick.kennelly@liu.edu
2LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Email: christopher.league@liu.edu
Abstract
Models for visualizing spatiotemporal data include the space-time cube and the clock diagram. Both techniques use the x and y components of a map view, but differ in the manner by which time is charted. While the time-space cube assigns time to the z-axis, clock diagrams graph time to a circular display in the x and y plane. Our modified helix model combines and modifies these two methods to display detailed, daily data over long periods of time (100 years). Each data point is plotted along the curve of a helix, with each turn of the helix representing one year. The helix is modified by varying the radii to all points from the z-axis by an attribute such as maximum daily temperature, and then creating a three-dimensional triangulated surface from the resulting points. Using techniques common to terrain representation, we apply hue and saturation to the surface based on temperature, and value based on relief shading. Multiple helical surfaces can be displayed in one geographic scene of any season of the year, and the models can be rotated to display seasonal variations. We see this method as effective in displaying high-resolution temporal data within a geographic framework.
Keywords
space-time cube; spatiotemporal; visualization