Using computer animation to visualize space-time patterns. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design

Abstract. The geographic information revolution is rapidly increasing the availability of data that are referenced both by space and by time coordinates. This creates new opportunities for analysis, but also causes enormous problems as analytical tools able to depict, detect, or measure patterns in space-time data are poorly developed. The question arises as to whether or not a greater emphasis on the dynamics of spatial patterns may assist the analysis task. This is investigated by creating a series of VHS-format computer animations using an inexpensive microcomputer (an Acorn Archimedes). The technology is demonstrated by the analysis of leukaemia data for northern England, telephone line faults, and crime incidence in Tyne and Wear. The results provide an entirely new perspective on the nature of spatial patterns thought to exist and demonstrates the potential of hypermedia technology as a platform for new and novel approaches to spatial analysis. Background to animation The world is awash with more information concerning people than ever before in our history. This growth of the information glut showns no signs of slowing, let alone diminishing, in the near future. Increasingly, this information is being tagge