What is Line - the data and a few experiments

I thought about how i could represent the data i had collected. The problem was i had so much data, such as time, duration, altitude, direction, movement across the frame; all to be represented on what i hoped would be a single final graph/diagram/map.

I came up with these small ideas.

I didn't want to use CAD to begin with because i felt i could focus on how i was going to actually figure out how to represent all this data better in my head while not having to faff around with computers and the little problems you run into which halt you in your tracks.

After pretty much sorting out a few possible visuals i looked elsewhere to see if i could find some inspiration.
I sat down with a pen and paper (and Mr William Asken) and we began having a verbal brainstorm. To be honest he was having most of the ideas AN IDEA MACHINE!! But as most people have figured out it is a lot harder to have great ideas for your own work than to have great ideas for other work.

Here is the progression of the things i looked at...

Flight paths in control towers at airports. Thought the thin line point was nice. Also the bright green against the black.

This is quite interesting and relevant really. Flight paths mapped out over a specific section of New Zealand. Not to sure about the way the outline has been done though. This wasn't intend as a piece of art or design, but without the outline it could be mistaken for Pollock perhaps. Not that his work doesn't involve talent of course...

Def Con the warfare game. The arced lines represent missiles being fired at countries. Pretty cool. But it is really visual i think.