Online Issue Mapping of International News and Information Design

Abstract

Online issue mapping uses interactive network or topic maps to relate information sources to each other and to their respective uses of key terms. This strategy prioritizes the ability of visualization systems to show complex data that change over time. Our research applies combinations of software in a cross-disciplinary technique well suited to the information dynamics of the modern world. In an attempt to combine network maps over time, turning them from snapshots to a chronologically sensitive visualization system, we have undertaken two projects:

1. Mapping of the North Korean English Language New Media Space, available for free through Google News. The North Korean mapping project is part of an effort to study conflict through new media.

2. Mapping of the Information Design Research Community, as it is presented in new media. This second project has examined information design, using network maps over time and textual analysis software to understand the information design and visualization research community as it is presented in new media.

Our research is part of new developments in network mapping that aim to elucidate the operations of academic and professional institutions and organizations, blogs, news media, and the public diplomacy of states. Our mapping is dynamic in two senses: each map is a snapshot of content that is constantly changing, and the SVG or cluster map representations of the maps are interactive, allowing readers to actively study the visualizations by zooming, selecting elements for further information, and following links.