A good friend of mine sent me this article about a creative use of Facebook data mining and visualization of basketball fan loyalties (a very appropriate project in the midst of March Madness).  Arguably, projects like this visualization of “fandom” are a good way to introduce students to the concepts of data mining and mapping, putting into motion the cogs and coils of inspiration for mapping projects related to change over time.  First step: Facebook and fandom.  Second step: Wikipedia and the historical record. Third step: independent research project.  The possibilities are endless!

Check out this image of Duke and North Carolina loyalties: