Superimposed Map Data Visualization Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data visualization interfaces for maps are limited in their ability to efficiently display and analyze multiple layers of geographic data, hindering users' ability to understand complex data sets and make informed decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to generate and modify data visualizations by superimposing multiple map layers, enabling users to select and manage data fields, encode visual marks, and control layer visibility and selectability, using a graphical user interface with shelf regions and mark encoding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple map layers are superimposed to display complex geographic data, then the information completeness and analysis capability are improved, but the interface complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data visualization into multiple independent layers, each representing a different geographic data set. Users can selectively add, remove, or modify individual layers without affecting others. Each layer can be independently configured with its own data fields, visual marks, and encoding properties, allowing complex information to be organized into manageable segments that reduce overall interface complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension by superimposing multiple map layers on top of each other. This allows different geographic data sets to coexist in the same two-dimensional visualization space by adding a layer depth dimension. Users can control visibility and properties of each layer independently, enabling comprehensive data display without increasing horizontal interface complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple map layers with independent data fields are added, then the data analysis capability is improved, but the time required to configure and manage visualizations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides pre-configured layer templates and default data field mappings that users can select to quickly create map layers without manual configuration. Common geographic data sets come with predefined visual marks and encoding schemes, allowing users to add multiple layers rapidly while maintaining full analytical capability. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time required to configure complex multi-layer visualizations.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent encoding is applied to each layer, then the visualization precision and data representation accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows each map layer to have its own independent encoding scheme, visual mark types, and data field mappings tailored to the specific characteristics of that layer's data. For example, one layer can use circular marks for point data while another uses heat maps for density data. This localized customization enables precise data representation for each layer while the system manages the complexity through automated encoding selection and layer-specific configuration panels that simplify user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device receives a first user input that includes user selection of a first data field of a data source from a schema information region of a user interface and placement of the first data field into a data visualization region of the user interface. When the first data field corresponds to a geographic data field, the computing device determines longitude and latitude information for data values of the first data field. The computing device generates a map data visualization corresponding to the first data field according to the determined longitude and latitude information. The map data visualization includes a first layer having a first set of data marks corresponding to the first data field. The computing device displays, in the data visualization region, the map data visualization including the first set of data marks.