VIVIAN: virtual simulation and visual analysis of epidemic spread data

Abstract

Visual analysis of epidemic spread data is crucial in understanding the process of epidemic transmission, tracing the source of infection, evaluating the development of epidemic, and formulating reasonable policies. However, due to limited capabilities in collecting comprehensive data on the spread of the epidemic, it remains challenging to fully and visually comprehend the spatial and temporal changes in virus transmission, which, in turn, hampers efforts in exploration of macro-level pattern analysis and validation of micro-level facts. To fill this gap, in this paper, we propose a virtual simulation and visual analysis system, named VIVIAN. The user-friendly interaction design of the system enables rapid infection traceability and accurate investigation of close contacts. Furthermore, it establishes synchronous correlations between model parameters and epidemic prevention and control measures. The system supports users in simulating the formulation of epidemic prevention and control policies and evaluating their effectiveness. The system automatically generates the movement trajectories and contact situation based user-defined thresholds, which relaxes the data challenge and scalability of the system. The system is equipped with multiple linked, intuitive, and interactive visualization charts for rapid infection traceability and accurate close contact investigation. In addition, the system supports users in formulating and evaluating of epidemic prevention and control policies. Case studies and expert interviews based on simulated data have demonstrated the effectiveness and practicality of the system, which make it, as a foundation, possible to be employed in certain scenes for epidemic prevention and controls.

Graphical abstract