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 One thing I've struggled with is how to represent information getting out of date: the longer since we last got a position update the less accurate our estimate is.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

Recent posts on blogs I like:

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Look! A therapy technique people don't already know!

via Thing of Things May 14, 2025

Workshop House case study

Lauren Hoffman interviewed me about Workshop House and wrote this post about a community I’m working on building in DC.

via Home April 30, 2025

Impact, agency, and taste

understand + work backwards from the root goal • don’t rely too much on permission or encouragement • make success inevitable • find your angle • think real hard • reflect on your thinking

via benkuhn.net April 19, 2025

more     (via openring)