This post is about Google's motion charts and how useful they are for displaying data in a dynamic format. In this example, I've taken data for four cities in the north of England, and compared change over time from 2000 to 2008. I've used the following indicators:
- Total population - from ONS mid-year population estimates
- Working age population - from ONS mid-year population estimates
- VAT Stock at end of year - from NOMIS, a measure of business vitality (only got up to 2007 for this)
- Claimant Count - from NOMIS, those claiming unemployment benefit
- House prices - median house price for each area, from CLG Live Tables
You can compare any data against any data by clicking below and beside each axis. You can size the bubbles according to any variable and choose to turn any area's data on or off. They're really easy to use. Try experimenting with the example below, or the larger version I've linked to (note that you can click the tabs to the top right of the chart for a different data view). Pressing the 'play' button in the bottom left of the chart will start the animation.
All you need to make this is a some data and a free Google account. And a bit of time and patience. Once you get how it works it's really easy, and very effective. This is just an example using some English data.
For a REALLY impressive demonstration, see gapminder.
For a larger version of the chart shown below, I've put together a separate page.
