Inspired by Airplanes

Visualizing numbers and abstract data is challenging. There is a variety of elements representing frequency, relations and proportions. My next project will deal with statistics about airplane crashes. That's why I was looking for some inspiration in the field of visualization of airplane-data. There are many information graphics that focus on different aspects.


This first example points the most dangerous accidents in history out. Having a closer look at the functional and light design, the color concept is the most obvious. The different shades of blue highlight the information and refer to the legend below. Additionally the information are provided geographically, proportionally and hierarchically. The map is an essential element for visualizing locations and for giving the viewer orientation. Referring to the "deadliest" accidents - the size of the circle as well as the number in the legend are presenting the proportion hierarchically. More detailed information are provided in short descriptions. I think the graphic is easy to understand and clearly structured. Nevertheless the info graphic seems quite unidimensional only dealing with the number of deaths and without any further relations.

http://www.travelinsurance.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DeadliestAirplanesFinal.jpg

The following example is more figurative using dominant decorating graphics like the airplane. I like the combination with the map that is also working for pointing out location-based data. Thinking about further figurative illustration of data about airplanes, I also had the idea of using a cockpit as a data-display and the window as a view on the "world"-map.

http://new.amadeusblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/amadeus_data_centre_infographic1.jpg

I consider the next one as an excellent example for including different aspects. The information graphic is divided in eight closed sections appearing like a fact sheet. As in the first example this one also uses a map and the size of circles for expressing density and locations. The circle element is picked up in several sections of the info graphic. Using repetitive elements for expressing different aspects helps the viewer to get used to the "reading". The simple color concept is very functional and makes it easy to focus on the facts. The pink color only functions to point out the facts and has no further reference like in the first example. Also the figurative elements of the airplanes serve as a functional illustration. Varying the size of the operator's logo expresses the frequency of airlines involved in crashes visually.

http://www.thedonutproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/planecrash_960.gif

As a final example I found an info graphic dealing with boat accidents but using interesting elements. This one includes a bar chart for illustrating the development over time. As in the other examples there is also a map for giving geographic references. Here a color scheme is used for expressing frequencies. The colors are linked to the legend below. I think it is a great idea to functionally use color in a map. Another figurative as well as functional element is using a number of icons and highlighting some of them for expressing frequency, proportion or probabilities. In this example the life jacket serves for emphasizing the number. I think this is a very creative idea for individualizing the info graphic.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.gadling.com/media/2010/07/boating-accidents-gadling-bumper.jpg