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