The interdisciplinary workshop ‘ Analysis and Visualization of Moving Objects ’ was held at the Lorentz Centre in Leiden, The Netherlands, from 27 June to 1 July 2011. It brought together international specialists from ecology, computer science and geographical information science actively involved in the exploration, visualization and analysis of moving objects, such as marine reptiles, mammals, birds, storms, ships, cars and pedestrians. The aim was to share expertise, methodologies, data and common questions between different fields, and to work towards making significant advances in movement research. A data challenge based on GPS tracking of lesser black-backed gulls ( Larus fuscus ) was used to stimulate initial discussions, cross-fertilization between research groups and to serve as an initial focus for activities during the workshop.