Data Vis Dispatch, April 21: Sea routes, AI, and penguins

We start this week's Dispatch with maps, the ideal way to visualize location-based information — from cross-border movement to education levels, changing town populations, and even rivers reimagined as trees!

Maps are also useful for visualizing sea routes, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the journeys of Myanmar refugees seeking safety.

Regarding ongoing conflicts, various attacks have taken place across Sudan, a high number of strikes are being reported in the Middle East, and an increase in air alerts has been recorded in Russia.

The war in the Middle East is still driving up prices worldwide, from military interceptor costs to paint production costs. Meanwhile, China has not been as affected by rising fertiliser costs, thanks to its self-sufficiency in urea production.

And speaking of costs, Trump's plans for the 250-foot Triumphal Arch come to mind, with construction set to be funded by public and private sources.

The boom of AI has led to an increase in its use, resulting in more testing and training to improve performance.

With record-breaking temperatures already being reported this year, trees are being widely affected. Meanwhile, the U.S. has experienced a surprising spread of cold air across the country.

And last but not least, we present to you this week's selection of the #30DayChartChallenge visualizations!