ST-Map: an Interactive Map for Discovering Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Bibliographic Data

Abstract

Getting insight into the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of knowledge innovation is receiving increasing attention from policymakers and economic research organizations. Many studies use bibliometric data to analyze the popularity of certain research topics, well-adopted methodologies, influential authors, and the interrelationships among research disciplines. However, the visual exploration of the patterns of research topics with an emphasis on their spatial and temporal distribution remains challenging. This study combined a Space-Time Cube (STC) and a 3D glyph to represent the complex multivariate bibliographic data. We further implemented a visual design by developing an interactive interface. The effectiveness, understandability, and engagement of ST-Map are evaluated by seven experts in geovisualization. The results suggest that it is promising to use three-dimensional visualization to show the overview and on-demand details on a single screen.