Visualising Urban Mobility

Abstract

In this paper, we explore how visualisations can be used to extrapolate analysis pertaining to spatio-temporal data. Our scope focuses on visualisations of urban mobility. We investigate how researchers' insights can be accentuated by creating more effective visualisation solutions, allowing for a greater depth of comprehension. We first conducted a literature review, aiming to explore a relevant design when mapping spatio-temporal information. We developed an integrated software solution that combines a two-dimensional spatial visualisation with time-distance cartograms for participants' travel routes. This particular visualisation was designed for Esther Bosch and collaborators at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) which includes multiple participants' transport data measuring physiological metrics such as heart rate and stress levels. A group interview was conducted with six research staff from the DLR to provide feedback and evaluate the prototype solution. This consisted of a quantitative phase to measure the success in effectiveness of design as well as a qualitative interview to allow informal analysis to be posed. Our results indicate the effectiveness of utilising schematised timeline and distance cartograms in visualising urban mobility while simultaneously emphasising the need for ongoing refinement in balancing clarity with complexity. Continued works would focus on broadening the tool’s adaptability, enhancing its utility for a wider array of research applications.