Visualizing Agricultural Data at the National Agricultural Statistics Service: The Current State of the Art

• Activity Number: 80
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Sunday, August 1, 2010 : 4:00 PM to 5:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Graphics
• Author(s): Irwin Anolik*+
• Companies: National Agricultural Statistics Service
• Keywords: small multiples ; galleries ; multivariate column views ; interactive graphics ; dynamic data display

Abstract

This paper reviews tools developed at the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) that serve as a prototype to enable data customers to effectively visualize NASS' agricultural data using a standard web browser. We demonstrate methods of display and analysis that give a better understanding of patterns and structure in the data, and provide the ability to view, analyze, and dynamically interact with data at the state and county level. The paper discusses methods, concepts, and technologies employed, and documents the selection of specific solutions. One can view current and historical data using dynamic maps and charts, making use of "small multiples", galleries, and multivariate column views; all meant to give more context and power to the data customer. While this paper focuses on Agricultural data, the principles and methods can be applied to other sources of data.