Information Mapping
 

Hi,

I'm an MA Art and Design student and I've decided to try and graphically represent my chosen theory. I'm collecting my data using questionnaires and have a firm idea of how to represent it. I don't want to go into too much detail here,but the basic idea is to build a 3D graph with a series of concentric circles. The final piece will have to be 3D due to the number of data sets I am trying to include.

Now, I'm kindly asking for either some help to point me in the right direction so maybe I can create this myself, which programming language would be most suitable for a complete novice etc. Or, I'm looking for someone to work alongside to create a piece that will interpret my collected data in the manner I desire. That person would of course be credited wherever my work appears.

Cheers

Re: Information Mapping
 

As a novice any language is a starting point. Alot of people will say Python or C however it really makes no difference. There is a difference in learning curve but that is it.

I would suggest Java for what you are trying to acheive. However it can be acheived in any language. Java has got a steep learning curve so if you are looking for something easyer to learn then perhaps you Should try something like Python, which is a scripting language.

once you have made a choice you'll find that any help you need is avaliable her.

Chris

Re: Information Mapping
 

Java3D is probably your best bet.

Re: Information Mapping
 

Ok, thanks for your help.

Re: Information Mapping
 

Thanks. Where do you suggest I start looking to get the basics?

Re: Information Mapping
 

Honestly I would suggest using an existing scientific data visualization program, perhaps this:
http://www.opendx.org/index2.php

Creating 3D graphs is not trivial for a programming novice. I certainly don't want to discourage you if that is something you want to learn to do, but if you have no programming experience at all it is a fairly steep learning curve.

Re: Information Mapping
 

The warning against diving into a full-fledged programming language is a good one - most languages will overwhelm you with irrelevant minutiae on your way to simply doing what you want. That being said, if what you need is programming rather than drawing, take a look at the bottom of http://www.jsoftware.com/jwiki/TomAl...ting/Testing01 and my own flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/photona...7600280547434/ for some examples of easy 3-D programming of plots.

However, you may want to heed the suggestion to look at scientific visualization or plotting packages, or even drawing tools - maybe something like PovRay? See http://hof.povray.org/Villarceau_Circles-CSG.html for an example of using this for a mathematically-oriented 3-D picture. Also, if it is amenable to drawing rather than plotting, there are numerous groups on flickr where people demonstrate their use of various tools: take a look at the question "what software do you use?" at http://www.flickr.com/groups/cgart/ .

On the idea of having someone help with your data, do you have a small sample of it you'd feel comfortable sharing? Perhaps, if it is mathematically oriented and you can state your objective clearly, I could do something for you.

Re: Information Mapping
 

Hi,

Thanks for that. I've found it useful, though am still bewildered by it all! I knew it was going to be difficult.

Cheers for offering to take a look. There are three files for you: http://www.spoonandfork.co.uk/johari/graph.jpg, http://www.spoonandfork.co.uk/johari/sketch.jpg, http://www.spoonandfork.co.uk/johari/johari_spread.xls. Just to give you a bit of info, there are many data sets which I am trying to work in to the graph. I know how I want it to work, but no idea at the moment how to do it.

Thanks again

Re: Information Mapping
 

Hi - I got your info. I'm having a meeting tonight of a software discussion group - do you mind if I show this to them to get their feedback?

Regards,

Devon

Re: Information Mapping
 

Thanks, that will be fine. Are my intentions clear from the files I sent?

Regards,

Jeff