Visualizing Prediction Inaccuracy

February 26th, 2012
mbtaplot, transit
A major goal of mbtaplot is to visualize bus predictions by converting timing information to locations on a map. One thing I've struggled with is how to represent information getting out of date: the longer since we last got a position update the less accurate our estimate is. I think I've got a good solution now, adding a line back from the prediction to the last reported location. The longer the tail, the less sure we are about the position:






The main thing I like about mbtaplot over nextbus or mbtainfo is that because it gives me more information I can second guess the predictions. The goal with this new feature is to intuitively convey more information about the trustworthiness of the information.

(At some point I want to figure out how to get something like this on my phone; the current version uses too much javascript for that.)

Comment via: google plus, facebook, substack

Recent posts on blogs I like:

Variable fonts aren't universally supported

I make a lot of webpages. I also use Lockdown Mode on iOS and MacOS for a bit of extra security. Sometimes I realize that I forgot to test on Safari and it looks like crap, or I test and don’t notice that there’s been a problem for months (as was the case…

via Home June 27, 2026

Ozy in Asterisk on coping with AI doom

I wrote an article for Asterisk Magazine about people who believe in AI superintelligence soon, and who are chill about it.

via Thing of Things June 24, 2026

Fiddle Practice

For a while I wasn't learning how to play violin very well because whenever it was time to practice I didn't want to. I didn't really like practicing, because (1) it's boring, (2) I have better things to do, and (3) actually I guess there …

via Anna Wise's Blog Posts May 3, 2026

more     (via openring)