Visualization Atlases: Explaining and Exploring Complex Topics through Data, Visualization, and Narration

TL;DR

This paper defines visualization atlases as web-based compendia that explain and explore topic-specific data through data, visualizations, and narrative. Through a systematic study of 33 atlases and eight creator interviews, the authors establish a formal definition, a design-pattern space with eight dimensions (yielding 45 patterns), and a five-genre typology, while also outlining nine key characteristics across topic, curation, and visualization. The contributions include the explicit definition of the genre, a comprehensive design-pattern framework, a typology of atlas genres, and qualitative insights into atlas creation and governance, complemented by a discussion of ethics and real-world impact. The work provides a foundation for designing, evaluating, and extending visualization atlases, with implications for data literacy, public discourse, and data-driven decision making.

Abstract

This paper defines, analyzes, and discusses the emerging genre of visualization atlases. We currently witness an increase in web-based, data-driven initiatives that call themselves "atlases" while explaining complex, contemporary issues through data and visualizations: climate change, sustainability, AI, or cultural discoveries. To understand this emerging genre and inform their design, study, and authoring support, we conducted a systematic analysis of 33 visualization atlases and semi-structured interviews with eight visualization atlas creators. Based on our results, we contribute (1) a definition of a visualization atlas as a compendium of (web) pages aimed at explaining and supporting exploration of data about a dedicated topic through data, visualizations and narration. (2) a set of design patterns of 8 design dimensions, (3) insights into the atlas creation from interviews and (4) the definition of 5 visualization atlas genres. We found that visualization atlases are unique in the way they combine i) exploratory visualization, ii) narrative elements from data-driven storytelling and iii) structured navigation mechanisms. They target a wide range of audiences with different levels of domain knowledge, acting as tools for study, communication, and discovery. We conclude with a discussion of current design practices and emerging questions around the ethics and potential real-world impact of visualization atlases, aimed to inform the design and study of visualization atlases.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Three visualization atlas examples.
• Figure 2: Complete coding of 33 visualization atlases, including eight design dimensions plus two contextual dimensions of data, and genres. Differently sized squares in the 'visualization' dimensions indicate prominence of a visualization across the atlas.
• Figure 3: Examples of content pages styles.