Dynamic graphics for presenting statistical indicators

International seminar jointly organised by Istat and Oecd-Statistics Directorate
Roma, 5-6 March 2007
Istituto nazionale di statistica
Via Cesare Balbo, 14 - 00184 Rome

In recent years focus has been on the use of indicators in discussions of international forums, such as the OECD World Forum. Several statistical and analytical organisations are increasingly seeing it as important to present statistical indicators on key societal phenomena to a number of different audiences.

Some examples available online:

• Population Pyramid (Australia)
• Population Pyramid (Germany)
• Population Pyramid (Norway)
• Population Pyramid (United Kingdom)
• Dynamic Map: Area Classification for local Authorities(United Kingdom)
• Gapminder
• Google Gapminder
• Interactive visualisation of statistical information ("New Statistics" project - Eurostat)
• US Department of Agriculture
• Interactive infographics (Netherlands)
• Grafici dinamici (Italia)

The seminar is about the art of making statistical indicators understandable and appealing to modern audiences. Leading-Edge products will be showcased. A review of technical solutions (XML plug-in, Java, SVG, Flash...) will be made and participants will have the opportunity to participate to discussions on how to select, develop and implement dynamic graphics (purpose, strategy, tailored tools or off-the-shelf).

The seminar will unite experts and decision makers from many national and international statistical organizations. They will discuss several visualising solutions with a special focus on dynamic, interactive and animated graphics.

The purpose of the seminar is to see if good practices can be identified and recommendations can be made, allowing organisations to advance in this important field. Some of the findings of the seminar in Rome will flow through to inform the next OECD "Statistics, Knowledge and Policy" World Forum conference focused on "Measuring and Fostering the Progress Societies" that will be held in Istanbul, 27-30 June 2007.


PROGRAMME

Summaries of presentations