Digital infographic visualizes earthquake in Japan
Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which caused over 15,000 deaths and was described by the World Bank as the costliest natural disaster of all time.
This visualization, compiled with data from the Japanese Meteorological Agency, shows the force of the March earthquake by using proportionally sized circles displaying earthquake magnitude.
Located in an earthquake-heavy zone, Japan is under constant pressure from small-magnitude earthquakes. The visualization shows the months leading up to the earthquake, as well as the months after it.
The video also incorporates audio, with a cracking sound representing each quake. The cracks grow louder as the earthquakes intensify, eventually becoming startlingly loud. Using sound allows the visualization an extra dimension that would not be possible in print media. Such designs represent the future of infographics and information visualization. Digital formats allow for far more flexibility in how designs are made and the ideas they incorporate. For example, the number of earthquakes communicated in this graphic could not be practically shown in print media; there are far too many quakes during the months that are displayed in the graphic. Showing a time-lapse, however, allows the graphic to incorporate a vast array of data, with each quake being displayed for less than a second at a time.
This visualization displays massive amounts of data in a simple, easy-to-follow way that tells a unique story in a way words couldn’t.
About 5 Ds in a Pod
Five designers from The State News’ so-called “D-Pod” blog about their design obsessions and inspiration of the moment.
Follow this blog in your feed readerTSN BLOGROLL More »
FEATURED CLASSIFIEDS: More classifieds »
In Employment:
- BARTENDERS, SERVERS, barback + door needed at new Lansing bar.
- RED BULL Energy Drink Distributor seeks route salesperson in Lansing area.
- SALES/DESIGN associate.
- SUMMER WORK $12.25 base-appt.
In Duplexes/Rent:
In Houses/Rent:
Powered by Disqus
- Armed robbery at local Jimmy John's
- Local musicans look to showcase talent at Singer/Songwriter Night
- Hollis meets with media after being named top AD
- Annual Mich. Family Medicine Day shows medical innovations
- Up through the air with the Greatest Trapeze
- Michigan police buckle down with Click It or Ticket campaign
FRESH CONTENT More »
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK:More reprints »
-
Westboro Baptist Church member Shirley Phelps-Roper of Topeka, Kan. holds up signs at a 30-minute protest ...
-
Junior center outfielder John Martinez bats a ball. The Spartans defeated the Gophers by, 3-2 within ...
-
From left, human biology junior Shaylyn Sinclair and media arts and technology senior Stephanie VanDoorn ...
-
Communications senior and cook for Spartan Signature Catering, Jeremy Epley makes pulled pork sandwiches ...
-
Breakdancers from two competing crews square off Saturday afternoon at Red Cedar Ransom. The breakdance ...
Available for purchase today at State News Reprints.
EVENT CALENDAR More Events »
- Fri 25th
- Sorry, no events for this day
- Submit your events »
- Sat 26th
- Sorry, no events for this day
- Submit your events »
- Sun 27th
-
Open Jam at The Green Door
starts at 9:30pm - Submit your events »
-
Open Jam at The Green Door
- Mon 28th
-
Open Jam at The Green Door
starts at 9:30pm -
Steppin In It live at The Green Door
starts at 9:30pm -
Magic Monday's
starts at 10:00pm - Submit your events »
-
Open Jam at The Green Door
Commentary
Add your $0.02, go to the comment form or follow the comment feed