nSpace and GeoTime: A VAST 2006 case study

Abstract

GeoTime and nSpace are innovative visual analytic tools that enable investigation and understanding of complex, ambiguous situations. nSpace is a system of systems supporting the whole analytic workflow. GeoTime provides insight into events and behaviors in time and space. Junior analysts used the analytic capabilities these tools supported to investigate the 2006 VAST contest data set and produce an intelligence assessment report. This article describes how these tools created an analytical environment that enabled two novice analysts to examine the scenario, discover patterns, trace connections, assess evidence, visually represent meaningful hypotheses with associated evidence, track progress, collaborate with others, and produce a final report. © 2007 IEEE.