The London Evolution Animation is a fascinating visualization, created by the Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at University College London, which tracks the evolution and development of the city of London from its creation as a Roman city in 43 AD to its current status as one of the world's megacities.
The visualization shows road segments and networks appearing gradually over a map of London, with accompanying text talking about the city's evolution through different periods of its history.
The London Evolution Animation took nine months to make, with a variety of methods and data borrowed from several sources. Data for the Roman and Medieval periods as well as the 17th and early 18th centuries was provided by the Museum of London Archaeology. Road networks from the late 18th century to the present were supplied by the University of Cambridge's engineering department.
Megacity Evolution Animations
The London Evolution Animation Charts London's Rise into a Megacity
Trend Themes
1. Megacity Evolution - The creation of visualized maps that track the expansion of cities throughout history presents opportunities for digital urban planning.
2. Data Borrowing - Utilizing data from various sources such as museums and universities can lead to more comprehensive and accurate depictions of historic events and locations.
3. Spatial Analysis - The use of advanced spatial analysis techniques can allow for the creation of unique and informative visualizations of city growth and development.
Industry Implications
1. City Planning - The data and methods used to create the London Evolution Animation can be applied to modern city planning to better understand the development of cities.
2. Museums - Museums can contribute valuable data and research for visualized maps and animations related to historical events and periods.
3. Education - Animations and visualizations of historical events can be used in educational settings to present information in an interactive and engaging way.