Patterns of progress
data / curious
2019.10.07
We live in a fast-paced world. We live in a fearful world. Sometimes, it's good to remind ourselves that things can get better. That we can be better.
This pattern of progress is all around us. But most of the time, it gets drowned out by the noise of a crushing news cycle obsessed with drama, sensationalism, and scandal.
This week I'm thinking about how data can tell stories of progress, and how we can celebrate these stories. I found a new website from Information is Beautiful dedicated to this very task. And if you're looking for more places to find hope, I highly recommend reading Factfulness by Hans Rosling.
I think Max Roser, founder of Our World in Data, described where we are best:
"The world is much better; The world is awful; The world can be much better"
So let's make the world better.
p.s. Data Curious will be taking a week off next week. Taking some time to unplug. See ya on Oct 21.
Read_
Is the world getting better or worse?
Information is Beautiful just released a new website called Beautiful News to find out. Every day, a thought-provoking (and colorful) chat is shared that has a positive insight about the world. Think Hans Rosling / Our World in Data kinda vibes. Check it.
What does data sound like?
Ah yes, the abstract and weird world of data sonification. FWIW I think Two Tone does it best.
How should we visualize ranges over time on a mobile device?
Phones are (relatively) small. So how do we convert a time series chart to fit? Linear? Radial? This study explains the nuances for the debate along with some great recommendations.
Explore_
How is the opioid crisis affecting countries outside the US?
I don't speak French, but wow....these D3 transitions are very swish.
Analyze_
Where can I find global climate data?
Lots of places, but this website was new to me and looks like a good place to start. They have downloadable data for temperature across the globe since 1929.
Learn_
How can I visualize geographic data as a network?
Give this walkthrough a read: Visualizing Citi Bike NYC Network Data using Python and Gephi. I didn't know this, but Gephi has a lat/long field to position nodes which can create some interesting cluster.
How can I make animated charts in Python?
Bar chart race? Ease-in line graph? You can do it in Python (if you're comfortable with Matplotlib). Here's how.
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