COPLINK: visualization for crime analysis

Abstract

We have applied various visualization techniques to assist crime analysis. These techniques include a hierarchical list, a hyperbolic tree, a time line tool, a periodic pattern tool, a GIS tool and a self-organizing map. We have integrated some of these techniques into a single tool in order to display different and synchronized views of the same data. This tool is flexible and scalable to allow for the incorporation of other visualization techniques in the future. This paper describes the various visualization techniques we have applied in the law enforcement domain and that we are integrating into our ongoing COPLINK project.