LayoutExOmizer: Interactive Exploration and Optimization of 2D Data Layouts

Reducing the overlap of data points in 2D visualizations while preserving original positions is a challenging task. Traditionally, hand-crafted solutions have been proposed while more recently layout algorithms with a high degree of automation have been introduced. However, with a continuous parameter space, the number of alternative solutions is virtually infinite. So which one is best? This assessment can depend on many factors, coined by subjective human judgment as well as quantitative quality measures. Our approach follows the idea to have both humans and algorithms in control, to combine the strengths of both. We propose LayoutExOmizer, which stands for Layout Explorer and Optimizer. It is a visual analytics approach that guides users in finding meaningful solutions. LayoutExOmizer supports users in generating a preferred layout by discovering a corresponding set of input parameters. This parameter search is supported by visual interfaces (1) to directly steer the parameters of the layout optimization, (2) to assess the quality of layouts using quality measures, (3) to relate input and out space, and (4) to filter layouts by their quality. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach in two usage scenarios with different quality measures, including the full set of Scagnostics measures

Report of the Stanford Linked Data Workshop

The Stanford University Libraries and Academic Information Resources (SULAIR) with the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) conducted at week-long workshop on the prospects for a large scale, multi-national, multi-institutional prototype of a Linked Data environment for discovery of and navigation among the rapidly, chaotically expanding array of academic information resources. As preparation for the workshop, CLIR sponsored a survey by Jerry Persons, Chief Information Architect emeritus of SULAIR that was published originally for workshop participants as background to the workshop and is now publicly available. The original intention of the workshop was to devise a plan for such a prototype. However, such was the diversity of knowledge, experience, and views of the potential of Linked Data approaches that the workshop participants turned to two more fundamental goals: building common understanding and enthusiasm on the one hand and identifying opportunities and challenges to be confronted in the preparation of the intended prototype and its operation on the other. In pursuit of those objectives, the workshop participants produced:1. a value statement addressing the question of why a Linked Data approach is worth prototyping;2. a manifesto for Linked Libraries (and Museums and Archives and …);3. an outline of the phases in a life cycle of Linked Data approaches;4. a prioritized list of known issues in generating, harvesting & using Linked Data;5. a workflow with notes for converting library bibliographic records and other academic metadata to URIs;6. examples of potential “killer apps” using Linked Data: and7. a list of next steps and potential projects.This report includes a summary of the workshop agenda, a chart showing the use of Linked Data in cultural heritage venues, and short biographies and statements from each of the participants