MIN Support
Purpose
The purpose of this tool is to improve the efficiency with which MIN reports are analyzed
Key Features
- Linked map and MIN feed views maintain spatial context for easier navigation
- Scrolling MIN feed layout improves orientation and reading efficiency
- High value information (images, comments, observation types) are visually important and easily scanned for
- Map shows spatial patterns by observation type
Design in Detail
Filter and Sort Controls
“Start” and “End” filters set the date interval for MIN reports according to the time of observation. Note that MIN reports submitted after the observation date have a red text field indicating the time delay. “Region” filters query the selected forecast region of interest. The MIN feed is sorted by submission date by default, but can also be sorted by observation date, area name, or user name if desired.
MIN Feed
The MIN feed draws inspiration from the familiar scrolling list used in popular social media applications. MIN report metadata such as the title, user name, observation date, and the associated region are shown in the title area of each report box. Observation types and their corresponding informational content are shown in a tabbed layout sorted by the relative importance of each observation type (Incident>Avalanche>Quick>Snowpack>Weather). An image carousel enables quick scanning and fullscreen viewing of high-resolution images.
Map
MIN reports are clustered into donut charts (a pie chart with a hole in it) or shown as individual circles depending on zoom level. Circles and arc segments within the donut chart are colored according to the observation types contained within. Circles are colored according to the most important observation type (Incident>Avalanche>Quick>Snowpack>Weather). The size or length of arc segments represents the relative proportion of observation types contained in each cluster. The overall size of the donut chart and the number within it indicate the number of reports in each cluster. Clicking on the donuts chart zooms the map in and breaks the cluster apart.
Interactively Linked Map and MIN Feed
The MIN dashboard interface is segmented into two primary views: a map and a scrolling feed of MIN reports. These two views are linked to easily associate MIN reports with their spatial locations and vice versa. Zooming and panning with the map filters the MIN feed to show only the reports visible within the map bounds. Hovering over circles in the map scrolls the feed to associated MIN reports. Conversely, clicking the compass icon in the top right hand corner of each report in the MIN feed zooms the map to the associated spatial location.