Atlas of Macroscopes: Interactive Data Visualizations

by Katy Börner, Elizabeth G. Record, Todd Theriault

Overview

A fascinating data adventure through the lens of macroscopes, which offer us illuminating and holistic views of our ever-changing world.

In Atlas of Macroscopes, Katy Börner, Elizabeth Record, and Todd Theriault take you on an epic data adventure. You will explore data landscapes, designed as uniquely interactive spaces, and learn more about our world and your place in it. You will gain new perspectives on how to gather, understand, and communicate data, as well as how to best use it. You will discover what it means to “touch” data that informs and inspires.

Transcending the static nature of the maps featured in the initial trilogy, this fourth Atlas showcases 40 real-life macroscopes, or interactive data visualizations, that were displayed in the first decade (2015–2024) of the traveling exhibit Places & Spaces: Mapping Science.

Encompassing vast amounts of data, macroscopes give us holistic views of complex systems or networks. They provide an entry point for scientists and laypeople alike, and empower us to engage directly with large datasets and to conduct our own lines of questioning. As interactive tools, macroscopes connect data creators and users. As portals to continuously evolving data, macroscopes can serve as windows to the dynamics of any terrain—personal or professional, local or global—and offer key insights into our surroundings and even our place in the universe.

While big data is creating new ways to view and understand information, macroscopes help us see the big picture as we seek to better navigate our ever-changing world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780262049924
Publisher:	MIT Press
Publication date:	10/14/2025
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	13.35(w) x 11.31(h) x 0.86(d)

About the Author

Katy Börner is Victor H. Yngve Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Information Science in the Departments of Intelligent Systems Engineering and Information Science at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington, where she is also the founding director of the Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science Center. She is the author of Atlas of Science and Atlas of Knowledge (both MIT Press) and a co-curator of the Places & Spaces: Mapping Science (scimaps.org) exhibit.

Elizabeth G. Record is the associate director of the Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science (CNS) Center at Indiana University. She co-curates the Places & Spaces: Mapping Science data visualization exhibit. She holds an MA in anthropology and museum studies from the University of Denver and a BA in English from Carleton College. With curatorial experience at a variety of nonprofit and public institutions, she has particular expertise with public-facing content development in library and museum settings.

Todd N. Theriault is a co-curator of the Places & Spaces: Mapping Science exhibit. Upon receiving his MA in English from Miami University in 1998, he spent 15 years teaching literature and composition at Indiana University, the University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University of Ohio. An educator at heart, he has spent the last decade introducing audiences worldwide to the power and potential of science maps and macroscopes.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Data defines our lives, and Atlas of Macroscopes lifts the veil on its complexity—transforming abstract information into engaging, actionable insights that can inspire meaningful change.”
—Albert-László Barabási, Northeastern University, author of The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success

“In a world of increasing complexity, where information often coexists with an overwhelming amount of fake news, interactive macroscopes shed light on the interconnectedness of diverse systems to inform us and guide us toward a fairer and more ecologically sustainable future.”
—Olga Subirós, Olga Subirós Studio; curator of the Big Bang Data exhibition

“Katy Börner and her collaborators have done it again: Atlas of Macroscopes is a worthy addition to the series that began with Atlas of Science (2010). Taken as a whole, the Atlas series shows how powerful visualizations can illuminate human science, understanding, and knowledge. You’ll spend hours poring over the many beautiful, surprising, and intricate graphics and get inspired to visually communicate and reason with data.”
—Alberto Cairo, University of Miami; author of The Art of Insight: How Great Visualization Designers Think

“Aggregate datasets are an indispensable tool for understanding today’s complex realities. This book is a real treasure trove of intelligent applications that help us make sense of data with the aid of truly epic and engaging data experiences. As usual in this Atlas series, the authors have managed not only to compile a large number of key projects but also to deliver a primer about the fundamentals of visualizing multidimensional information. An indispensable resource for anyone who wishes to stay up-to-date on the art of exploring and visualizing complex data.”
—Sandra Rendgen, author of History of Information Graphics, Information Graphics, and Understanding the World: The Atlas of Infographics

“I have long been intrigued by macroscopes. Allowing us to see the bigger picture of any research area, they can give us the insights needed for local innovations while providing an understanding of how to integrate such innovations into greater wholes. Atlas of Macroscopes wonderfully illustrates this principle. There is no other comparable resource.”
—William B. Rouse, Professor Emeritus and Former Chair, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; author of Bigger Pictures for Innovation

“In this age of never-ending digital images, continuously landing in front of our eyes—on phone and computer screens, buildings and roads, blinking subway ads, and all the rest—there is nothing more comforting than to turn the pages of a remarkably stunning book of visuals that not only teach, but also nudge us to stop and look and wait—to delve deeper. We should never underestimate the power of this truly wonderful book.”
—Felice Frankel, MIT research scientist; author of the Visual Elements series of handbooks for communicating science and engineering

“This Atlas uniquely brings together the most outstanding interactive data visualizations created in recent years. It covers a very wide range of topics, demonstrating why data visualization is an essential communication medium today in so many fields.”
—Lev Manovich, City University of New York; author of Artificial Aesthetics: Generative AI, Art and Visual Media

Editorial Reviews

"The book is a colorful, image-rich guide...A recommended purchase for all libraries, this book will be most appealing for users with a strong interest in data visualization."
—Booklist

From the Publisher