Geovisualization Tools Development

As part of a broader program of data visualization research, NCI staff and their collaborators have developed a number of methods to better communicate cancer statistics visually, such as by maps and new graph designs. Examples of work in this area are:

• Weighted Nonparametric Smoothing (Headbanging)
• Tools implemented as ArcGIS Extensions
• Conditioned choropleth maps
• Linked micromap plot
• Combining statistical clustering algorithms with new visualization tools

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Weighted Nonparametric Smoothing (Headbanging)

"Head-banging" is a weighted two-dimensional median-based smoothing algorithm, developed to reveal underlying geographic patterns in data where the values to be smoothed do not have equal variances. The Head-Bang software helps users apply this algorithm to data.

Proportion of residents with no health insurance: CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

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  Original Data

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  Smoothed Data

Data: Pickle & Su, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2002
Headbanging: Mungiole et al., Statistics in Medicine, 1999

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Tools implemented as ArcGIS Extensions

• Color Choices:
  ColorBrewer / (Download ColorTool Extension)

  

• Headbang Smoothing:
  (Download HeadBang for ArcMap™)

  

• SaTScan Clustering:
  (Download Cluster Analysis Extension)

  

• Utility to Format SEER*Stat Data for Mapping:
  (Download SEER*Stat Bridge)

  

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Conditioned choropleth maps

• Decomposes a single choropleth map into strata according to 1 or 2 other factors
• Interactive tool - users control classifications of mapped variable (red/gray/blue) & stratifiers by sliders

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Linked Micromap Plot

• Color links statistical graphs & maps
• Micromaps show spatial patterns
• Supports different glyphs & sorting

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Combining Statistical Clustering Algorithms with New Visualization Tools

Exploratory Spatio-Temporal Analysis Tool (ESTAT):

• Time trend plots of cancer rates
• Parallel coordinate plot of risk factors, confounders
• Scatter plots, maps
• Statistical summaries
• Supports linking, brushing, variable & option selection

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Alan MacEachren, Penn State University (www.geovista.psu.edu)

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