Google Visualization API
Posted on March 20, 02008
Filed Under Development, Journal, Timelines
The recently announced Google Visualization API have some interesting temporal examples in their gallery. From a technical perspective the widgets (or 'gadgets' as Google are calling them - everything begins with a G at Google) are built with either AJAX or Flash, and the data format of choice seems to be XML.

Google Viz: Motionchart
MotionChart (Flash)
If you have ever come across Hans Roslings work at GapMinder then you'll be familiar with this animated interactive way of visualising data over time. I'm very keen to implement this kind of interactivity in the Computus Engine for the exploration of natural cycles.

Google Viz: Timeline
Timeline Gadget (AJAX)
The standard timeline visualisation is an implementation of the Simile Timeline. Moving the range selector in the bottom layer repositions the micro view in the top layer. I've looked at this previously here.

Google Viz: Time series
Time Series (Flash)
This one has a similar view to the Timeline Gadget but has slightly enhanced interaction. The lower timeline still represents the macro view but in this gadget the range selector can be sized as well as repositioned.

Google Viz: Gantt chart
Gantt Chart (AJAX)
The Gantt chart takes project management data and renders task schedules using Name, Start, Finish, and optional Progress columns.
Related Journal Entries
- Google TimeMap
- Temporal Analytics
- Timeline: Simile Timeline
- Google News Timeline
- Timeline: Google Timeline
- Big History
- The Computus Engine on Google Code
- Hacking the Date class for GeoLocation
- AS3 infinite timeline: Proof of concept
- Timeline: LongViewer
- Timeline: Ligne Du Temps
- Timeline: Miomi
- Timeline: WikiTimeline
- Timeline: WikiTimeScale
- Building an AS3 component framework: The Finished BaseComponent Class
Comments
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.


Hi Ben,
Terrific site. I will link this to my blog. Glad I caught your email on the simile group. Google + Simile, intense.
Best
Bob Moran
Hi there Bob, thanks for the link. Don’t know who Ben is (my names John) but glad you like the site!