Visualization for Epidemiological Modelling: Challenges, Solutions, Reflections & Recommendations

TL;DR

This paper reflects on a collaborative effort between epidemiological modellers and visualization researchers, highlighting challenges, solutions, and recommendations for using visualization to support COVID-19 pandemic modeling and analysis.

Contribution

It documents and analyzes the deployment of visualization techniques in epidemiological modeling during COVID-19, providing guidance and recommendations for future interdisciplinary collaborations.

Findings

Visualization proved effective in supporting COVID-19 modeling

Open problems identified for visualization in epidemiology

Recommendations for future visualization research in health data

Abstract

We report on an ongoing collaboration between epidemiological modellers and visualization researchers by documenting and reflecting upon knowledge constructs -- a series of ideas, approaches and methods taken from existing visualization research and practice -- deployed and developed to support modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Structured independent commentary on these efforts is synthesized through iterative reflection to develop: evidence of the effectiveness and value of visualization in this context; open problems upon which the research communities may focus; guidance for future activity of this type; and recommendations to safeguard the achievements and promote, advance, secure and prepare for future collaborations of this kind. In describing and comparing a series of related projects that were undertaken in unprecedented conditions, our hope is that this unique report, and its rich interactive supplementary materials, will guide the scientific community in embracing visualization in its observation, analysis and modelling of data as well as in disseminating findings. Equally we hope to encourage the visualization community to engage with impactful science in addressing its emerging data challenges. If we are successful, this showcase of activity may stimulate mutually beneficial engagement between communities with complementary expertise to address problems of significance in epidemiology and beyond. https://ramp-vis.github.io/RAMPVIS-PhilTransA-Supplement/