I am very happy to release this new FILWD chat with Stephen Osserman. We talk about visualization of simulated data. If you are a long-time reader of FILWD, you might recall that I once published a post on simulation visualization.
In data visualization, we are more used to dealing with observed data, which is data obtained by some data sampling and measurement mechanisms. But sometimes, data come from a model or algorithmic procedure designed to simulate the behavior of a given reality.
At first glance, one may think that visualizing simulated or observed data is pretty much the same. Data visualization is data visualization, after all. However, as you will see in the chat, both Stephen and I argue that simulated data pose unique challenges and opportunities for data visualization.
In the chat, we cover the following topics:
00:00: Introduction
02:27: Examples of simulation visualizations
08:18: Defining simulated data
11:19: Observed vs. simulated data
12:55: Why study simulation visualization?
15:10: The interactive and cognitive aspects of simulation visualization
19:00: Challenges in visualizing complex simulations
21:24: Simulation visualization in forecasting
23:48: The need for research in simulation visualization
27:21: Conclusion
I want to explore this area more in the future. What intrigues me the most is how simulations can help us understand phenomena in a way that observed data can’t. I am also very interested in understanding the role of interactivity in this space.
If you have worked in this area, please let me know. I’d love to have more examples and learn from people with experience in this space.
P.s. Stephen and I have been brainstorming the idea of organizing an online event on this topic. If you have relevant knowledge or want to flag someone we should consider, please add a comment below. Thanks!
FILWD Chat: Simulation Visualization, with Stephen Osserman