How The Times Uses Graphics and Maps to Track the Mideast Conflict

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For graphics journalists at The New York Times, making sense of the sprawling Middle East conflict for readers is somewhat like putting together a puzzle. Initial government statements might be vague, and a video posted on social media needs to be authenticated. But by assembling these pieces and comparing them against satellite imagery and reporting from correspondents in the region, Times graphics journalists have been able to pinpoint targeted areas and document damage, often within hours after missiles are fired.

Why it matters

The war in Iran is a complex and rapidly evolving situation, and The New York Times is using cutting-edge data visualization and mapping techniques to help readers understand the scope and impact of the conflict in near real-time. This allows the public to stay informed about the latest developments and the toll the fighting is taking on the region.

The details

Times graphics journalists use a range of sources, including official government statements, social media videos, and satellite imagery, to track military strikes and document damage across Iran and the surrounding region. Some incidents, like the strike on an elementary school in southern Iran, require days of reporting to fully understand, while others, such as the attack on the leadership compound in Tehran, emerge more quickly. The team is able to pinpoint targeted areas and visualize the impact of the conflict, often within hours of an attack.

• The war in Iran is now in its second week.
• The Times has published an array of maps tracking U.S. and Israeli military strikes inside Iran, as well as Iran's retaliation on its neighbors.

What they’re saying