Timemap is a Javascript library to help create Google Maps with the SIMILE timeline. The Timemap page on Project Hosting on Google Code has a number of really good examples of how to implement the SIMILE Timeline with Google Maps. A couple of the examples, in particular, are very impressive. One creates a Temporal Heatmap from a Google Spreadsheet and the other has some great Polygon Tweening.
Temporal Heatmap from a Google Spreadsheet
In this example the map markers increase in size to show the cumulative deaths from asbestosis and silicosis in Texas over time. As you move the timeline forward the circular map markers grow to reflect the cumulative number of deaths.
This is a great way to show any cumulative increase in data on a map. I'd really like to see an example that shows the growth in population by country over a number of centuries.
Polygon Tweening
This example uses a custom filter to smoothly tween a polygon between a beginning set of vertices and an ending set. The example doesn't seem to be a demonstration of any particular dataset but I can think of some great ways that this could be used.
This could be used to great effect to show the growth of an urban area over time. I'd love to see this used to illustrate the urban sprawl of London as it has crept out over the centuries to swallow up the surrounding countryside.
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