Immersive Analytics for Spatio-Temporal Data on a Virtual Globe: Prototype and Emerging Research Challenges

Abstract

We present our approach for the immersive analysis of spatio-temporal data, using a three-dimensional virtual globe. We display quantitative data as country-shaped elevated polygons and animate elevation levels over time to represent the temporal dimension. This approach allows us to investigate global patterns of behaviour, like pandemic infection data. By using a virtual reality setting, we intend to increase our understanding of spatial data and potential global relationships. Based on the development of our prototype, we outline research challenges we see emerging in this context.