[amdlla]

Where would one start learning methods of data vis like this?

[aw3c2]

That is just each point plotted on a map. So, check out software that can make maps? QGIS is nice.

[minimaxir]

You don't even need dedicated mapping programs. It's just latitudes and longitudes, so any 2D plotting program would be sufficient (as long as the data can fit into memory!).

I made this map awhile ago for Instagram photos using R/ggplot2: http://i.imgur.com/IvGox1f.png

Although the country boundaries aren't strictly necessary. Since there appears to be a demand for generating these maps, I'll work on a tutorial for this NYC data set.

[misiti3780]

you didnt have to install anything but ggplot2 to build that. wanna share the source :)

[aw3c2]

You murdered Greenland .D

[myth_buster]

Apparently, they didn't plot it on the map but on a grid. The density of data gives the well defined contour; a clever hack!

[aw3c2]

It would look 99% the same if you just plotted the coordinates with some (smartly chosen) transparency