Chartography

Chartography Substack explores the history, innovation, and artistry of data visualization through the lens of charts, maps, and diagrams. It features diverse topics from hot air balloon voyage charts to modern digital tools for data storytelling, emphasizing the blend of aesthetics, functionality, and narrative in information design.

Data Visualization History Chart and Map Design Innovative Visualization Tools Data Storytelling Information Graphic Designers Historical and Modern Data Graphics Cartographic Storytelling Analog and Digital Visualization Techniques Information Design Inspiration Visual Data Analysis Methods

The hottest Substack posts of Chartography

And their main takeaways

A Double-Shot of Inspiration

117 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual metaphors Information Design Charts Maps
  1. Dogpatch, San Francisco is hosting data-graphic office hours at Wooly Pig, showcasing inspiring data visuals
  2. RJ Andrews will be discussing 'glorious data graphics' in an upcoming event with Rob Saunders at the Letterform Archive, both in-person and virtual
  3. RJ Andrews is offering a workshop on Principles of Data Graphics at Cooper Union, focusing on dissecting elements of effective visual design

Circles & Joy

117 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Charts Maps Joy
  1. Today's post features maps, diagrams, and charts in a super-sundry edition.
  2. Circular charts were cleverly used to visualize survey answers and climate change data.
  3. The post also highlights beautiful pieces of art, including a 3,400-year-old paint box and a sculpture made of defunct brass band instruments.
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Crazy-good data graphics

137 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Data storytelling Information graphics Visual metaphors Charts
  1. First takeaway: Announcement of a Black Friday event exclusively for subscribers with big discounts on books and prints.
  2. Second takeaway: Showcasing vintage advertisement data graphics from the 1930s found in TIME magazine vault, featuring various creative statistical charts.
  3. Third takeaway: Exploring a variety of unique and artistic information graphics used in historical ads, demonstrating different chart styles and storytelling techniques.

Super Sundry, Vol. 4

176 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Charts Maps
  1. Chartography offers insights and delights from the world of data storytelling.
  2. Discover tools like Emoji kitchen and Weatherspark for unique data visualization.
  3. Check out amazing maps, diagrams, and designs from talented creators.

Super Sundry, Vol. 3

157 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Charts Illustration Joy
  1. Data visualization talks emphasize importance of narrative and visual elements in making impactful charts.
  2. Illustrators showcase intricate and detailed works of art depicting Earth's geography and historical maps.
  3. Exploration of unique historical maps reveals the fascinating intersection of design, geography, and data.

Up and Away

216 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Data storytelling Visual metaphors Information graphics
  1. Ascent diagrams tracked hot air balloon voyages by plotting altitude and travel-over-land, showcasing a daring spirit of exploration.
  2. Tissandier's diagrams of high-altitude balloon flights highlight the observation of various phenomena, infusing data with art and adventure.
  3. The ascent diagrams of the 1860s and 1870s not only captured balloon journeys but also exemplified the audacious spirit of exploration and innovation.

Bellerby's World

78 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Data storytelling Information graphics Book review
  1. Peter Bellerby's new book 'The Globemakers' offers insights into the world of creating handmade globes
  2. Bellerby's journey in creating his globes showcases dedication, perseverance, and a blend of elegance and rebellion
  3. The book highlights the artistry, science, and beauty of handmade globes in the age of digital technology

Weird & wonderful: Hungarian data graphics

196 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. Hungarian data graphics have a rich history and showcase innovative methods and designs in representing information.
  2. The study of historic graphics can inspire modern-day practitioners to document their work and consider the vulnerability of digital visualizations.
  3. Exploring less-familiar countries like Hungary for data graphics can uncover hidden gems in the history of information visualization.

Super Sundry, Vol. 2

78 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Charts Maps
  1. Super Sundry, Vol. 2 shares exceptional data storytelling and information design.
  2. The edition features insights on color design, charts, maps, and diagrams.
  3. Readers can enjoy a variety of creative and thought-provoking visual content.

Beyond Insight

137 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
  1. Recognize the value that data graphics create beyond just insights.
  2. Consider the multifunctional role of charts, similar to a doorman with various tasks.
  3. The true worth of data graphics lies in their ability to attract attention, build trust, and unify teams.

Bayer's World

58 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Information Design Data storytelling Graphic design Book Publishing
  1. Benjamin Benus's new book about Herbert Bayer's iconic work redefines past and future data graphics.
  2. Herbert Bayer was a Bauhaus designer whose talents were appreciated in advertising, art, and architecture in America.
  3. There is a growing collection of beautiful books about visionary information designers, such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Charles-Joseph Minard, and others.

Sketchy Science

117 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🔬 Science Data storytelling Data Visualization Data insights
  1. Visual tools like graphics have been crucial in history of science, aiding in discoveries like DNA's double helix.
  2. Insightful graphics don't just show information, they force us to engage and notice unexpected details.
  3. Graphics help make comparisons and reveal insights that text alone cannot convey effectively.

All Rhyme, No Reason

98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
  1. Charts can have value beyond providing insight.
  2. Data graphics can shape atmosphere even if not consciously detected.
  3. Well-designed charts can enhance the atmosphere and create value in various ways.

ASA lecture

58 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🚌 Education Statistics Data Visualization Information graphics History Books
  1. A seminar by RJ Andrews on data visualization is happening this Thursday at the American Statistical Association
  2. Join the virtual tour of spectacular information graphics by registering for the ASA seminar
  3. The American Statistical Association has a rich history in data visualization, featuring leaders like Florence Nightingale

Joyful Infographics

78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
  1. Nigel Holmes is known for creating colorful and powerful infographics.
  2. Holmes emphasizes the importance of fresh visuals in creating impactful infographics.
  3. Including little cartoon people in infographics can add an extra layer of fun and engagement.

Hand-wrought and hard-fought

58 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
  1. Holiday Shipping: The average days for delivering books worldwide for the _Information Graphic Visionaries_ series.
  2. PLN8 Interview: Catherine Madden and Eric Rodenbeck discuss _Information Graphic Visionaries_ with RJ Andrews.
  3. History of Information Graphics: RJ Andrews explores Florence Nightingale's persuasive data diagrams and the process of decoding them.

Visionaries is alive!

58 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
  1. Visionaries is alive with new books, events, and data stories
  2. The author is embarking on press events and book launches
  3. The author's consulting work and projects support his publishing endeavors

Pharrell's data graphics (sort of)

39 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
  1. The importance of sticking to your values as a creative professional, even when facing pressure from clients
  2. Reflecting on past experiences to learn and grow in your field
  3. Planning and looking forward to new opportunities and projects in the upcoming year

Creative courage

39 implied HN points • 23 Nov 22
  1. Launching new projects can require creative courage and determination
  2. Book-making can be a collaborative effort and bring joy, even in challenging times
  3. Perseverance and dedication are crucial in creative endeavors, even when faced with obstacles

Graphic Sirens

19 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Attention
  1. In high-stakes situations, attracting attention is crucial for success.
  2. Charts need to capture a reader's attention before conveying information.
  3. Fresh and bespoke designs in data graphics are effective in grabbing attention.

Design insights from analyzing 400 years of data visualization charts, maps, and diagrams

19 implied HN points • 09 Dec 20
  1. Data storyteller RJ Andrews analyzes 400 years of data visualization to help solve high-stakes problems
  2. Visual metaphors and information graphics like charts, diagrams, and maps are used to provide design insights
  3. Subscribing to Chartography by RJ Andrews ensures you don't miss valuable information on data visualization

Seeing Centuries

1 HN point • 17 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Data Visualization History Information graphics
  1. Visualize history as a succession of 25-year generations with each generation represented by a single significant person.
  2. When creating historical data visualizations, identifying key dates, not just lifespans, is crucial for accurately representing each era.
  3. Leveraging technology, like AI, can help organize historical data and simplify the process of creating complex visual representations.

RJ's Inspiration #012 🌋

0 implied HN points • 28 May 19
  1. The Pacific's Fiery Ring is a new story for National Geographic
  2. The design of the story focuses the reader's attention on the topic
  3. The story includes details on tectonic activities, population risks, historic eruptions, and more

RJ's Inspiration #013 🌦

0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 19
  1. A weather forecast played a crucial role in the success of the D-Day landing.
  2. Visualization with data has been historically significant in persuading and informing important decisions.
  3. The history of meteorological visualization is rich with insights from extraordinary data collection efforts.

Information Graphic inspiration from Info We Trust #042

0 implied HN points • 19 May 21
  1. In 1939, the USSR presented a compelling album showcasing its power at the World's Fair with integrated maps and statistics.
  2. The USSR album displayed creative and powerful visual storytelling techniques through thematic maps and abstract charts.
  3. A crowdfunding campaign exceeded its goal to produce 'Information Graphic Visionaries' with support from the global data visualization community.

RJ's Inspiration #016 🍓

0 implied HN points • 03 Jul 19
  1. Thomas Jefferson compiled a chart of seasonal fruits and vegetables in Washington's market
  2. RJ Andrews is preparing a new data story on Apollo 11 for its 50th anniversary
  3. Readers can share their favorite visualization and give feedback to RJ Andrews