Hi! I'm Nicolas and I'm interested in information visualization, JavaScript and web standards. I currently work as a Data Visualization Scientist at Twitter. I wrote PhiloGL , the JavaScript InfoVis Toolkit and V8-GL

PhiloGL

Posted in: philogl , visualization

For some time now I’ve been working on a new project built around WebGL that today I’m very proud to release: PhiloGL.

PhiloGL is a WebGL Framework for advanced Data Visualization, Creative Coding and Game Development.

PhiloGL uses cutting edge technology and JavaScript idioms and good practices to deliver elegantly coded WebGL applications that are focused on performance. PhiloGL also provides a rich module system covering Program and Shader management, IO, XHR, JSONP, Web Worker management, Effects and Tweening, and much more.

PhiloGL is Open Source Software, licensed under the MIT license and owned by the SenchaLabs foundation.

PhiloGL has a complete API documentation with a detailed description of all the modules and class methods. Another very cool thing is that all Learning WebGL lessons have been ported into PhiloGL code so that you can easily learn PhiloGL, WebGL or both at the same time. You can find a list of the ported Learning WebGL lessons here.

In order to show how PhiloGL applications are made I created three featured projects that deal with Data Visualization in different aspects. In order to see these examples you’ll need the latest Google Chrome and/or Firefox 4. If you don’t have a WebGL capable browser then you’ll see a video showcasing the application.

Visualizing Temperature Anomalies

Access the example here.

NASA collects year by year data about temperature changes around the globe. This information has been collected since 1880 and tracks temperature anomalies (changes) in different points of the earth as a 2D heatmap. By loading these images into textures and then mapping them into a 3D histogram we are able to track the temperature changes around the globe interactively. Smooth animations between date ranges enable us to spot the overall differences in temperature across the years. Can you guess what the temperature changes will be for the next decade? Access the example here.

Real time 3D color Histogram Analysis

Access the example here.

Color decomposition on RGB or other color schemes takes a 3D form. In order to show the color decomposition of an image each dot on a 3D color histogram is assigned a different diameter. The following example renders fine grain and precise color decomposition schemes of each frame of a video in real time. Notice how color varies on each take, and feel free to change the color scheme or pause the video to have a closer look at the color decomposition. You can interact with the visualization by using drag and drop and zooming in/out with your mouse wheel. Access the example here.

Explore 3D Parametric Surfaces

Access the example here.

Exploring 3D surfaces is a fun way to learn about geometry, physical phenomena or even terrain modeling. Parametric surfaces are surfaces that also change their shape with an extra variable: time. Explore 3D surfaces by using drag and drop and the mouse wheel to zoom in/out. You can enable the t parameter (by clicking on the checkbox) and hit play to see it move. There are three predefined surfaces for you to explore or modify. Access the example here.

Go get it!

I hope these examples show what you can do with the framework and interest you enough to explore the code. I’ve had a lot of fun building and using PhiloGL and I can’t wait to see what you’re capable of doing with it, you can download it here!

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