3D online, dynamic, interactive cartography of spatiotemporal mobility patterns. Case study: the “Ecobici” bike sharing system of Mexico City

Abstract

Given its complexity, the cartographic representation of spatio-temporal mobility patterns presents challenges which are difficult to solve and communicate using traditional methods that are also limited by its paper substrate, inherently flat, static and disconnected from the underlying data. Even though there is proprietary software that offers tools to create dynamic cartography in 3 dimensions, the generated products remain tied to the desktop GIS, disconnected from the World Wide Web and therefore, with limited reach. In this article we present an innovative methodology, based on free and open source software, that enables the online, three-dimensional, dynamic, interactive exploration of these patterns. Our study case uses the massive open data of the shared bike system Ecobici, from Mexico City. As proof of concept, four maps that allow exploring the dynamic behavior of the system, are presented. Finally, we argue about the possibilities and limitations of our methodology.