[kmfrk]

These stories make me hope that some code-savvy historians will one day create a visualization of famous battles using d3.js or something similar to what went into Snow Fall.

It'd be a fascinating way to teach history, and it'll work perfectly on tablets.

[derekp7]

I've seen that on some History channel programs recently. Had to look twice to make sure it was computer animated, not a filmed scene. Can't remember the exact program series though.

[Detrus]

You mean Decisive Battles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMZHovydSFQ ? I think he's talking about charts, d3.js. The show is made with a real time video game from 2002/4.

[kmfrk]

Ah yes, I recall watching that, too. It was one of the Total War games.

[Detrus]

Hard to search for snow fall visualization. Do you have a link?

Also these battles were visualized a million times by the Total War series. Although far from realistically with questionable educational potential. But that's largely a limitation of computer speeds. Still, more interesting than looking at charts.

[kmfrk]

I was referring to the popular-by-name-but-not-readership Snow Fall feature by the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/projects/2012/snow-fall/.