Record Details

Automated Layout of Origin-destination Flow Maps : U.S. County-to-county Migration 2009-2013

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

Field Value
Title Automated Layout of Origin-destination Flow Maps : U.S. County-to-county Migration 2009-2013
Names Stephen, Daniel M. (creator)
Jenny, Bernhard J. (advisor)
Date Issued 2016-09-08 (iso8601)
Note Graduation date: 2017
Abstract Visualizing large movement datasets with flow maps is difficult because overlapping flows create significant graphical conflicts that make accurate interpretation difficult or impossible. Interactive flow mapping applications allow users to explore large movement datasets by automatically generating flow maps from subsets of the data in response to queries by the user. However, even a small number of flows can overlap and cross each other in a way that impedes accurate interpretation. We introduce an interactive flow map of migration in the United States from 2009 to 2013 that uses a force-directed method to automatically lay out county-to-county migration. This is the first interactive map for web browsers that automatically creates origin-destination flow map layouts according to identified cartographic design principles. Adhering to these principles improves the readability of origin-destination flow maps. Map users explore high-level state-to-state migration patterns as well as detailed county-to-county movements through a custom user interface and interactive map features. We show migration flows between counties of different states by representing other states as nodes with a circular arrangement around the selected state, and connect county flows to those nodes. This constrains the map layout to a smaller area, reducing clutter and the amount of interaction required to view flows.
Genre Thesis/Dissertation
Topic cartography
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/1957/59869

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