The Indicator Browser: A Web-Based Interface for Visualizing UrbanSim Simulation Results

UrbanSim is a large scale land use and transportation simulator that models the possible long-term effects of different policies on urban regions. The output is presented using indicators, which are variables that convey information on significant aspects of the simulation results. To support their use, we designed and implemented the Indicator Browser, a Web-based interface for visualizing and browsing indicator results in the form of tables, charts, or maps. This interface was designed and evaluated via design techniques including value sensitive design, paper prototyping, and frequent user testing. The Indicator Browser was implemented on top of an evolving system, developed using agile test-first software development strategies. This paper presents the Indicator Browser as an illustrative e-government infrastructure case study. We describe its interface and system design, implementation process, and evaluation by a set of potential users, and discuss our plans for deployment