Interactive mapping for large, open demographic data sets using familiar geographical features

Abstract

Ever-increasing numbers of large demographic data sets are becoming available. Many of these data sets are provided as open data, but are in basic repositories where it is incumbent on the user to generate their own visualisations and analysis in order to garner insights. In a bid to facilitate the use and exploration of such data sets, we have created a web mapping platform called DataShine. We link data from the 2011 Census for England and Wales with open geographical data to demonstrate the power and utility of creating a conventional map and combining it with a simple but flexible interface and a highly detailed demographic data set.