Possibilities and Limits in Visualizing Large Amounts of Multidimensional Data

In this paper, we describe our concepts to visualize very large amounts of multidimensional data. Our visualization technique which has been developed to support querying of large scientific databases is designed to visualize as many data items as possible on current display devices. Even if we are able to use each pixel of the display device to visualize one data item, the number of data items that can be visualized is quite limited. Therefore, in our system we introduce reference points (or regions) in multidimensional space and consider only those data items which are 'close' to the reference point. The data items are arranged according to their distance from the reference point. Multiple windows are used for the different dimensions of the data with the distance of each of the dimensions from the reference point (or region) being represented by color. In exploring the database, the reference point (or region) may be changed interactively, allowing different portions of the database to be visualized. To visualize larger portions of the database, sequences of visualizations may be generated automatically by moving the reference point along some path in multidimensional space. Besides describing our visualization technique and several alternatives, we discuss some of the perceptual issues that arise in connection with our visualization technique

A framework to maximise the communicative power of knowledge visualisations

Knowledge visualisation, in the field of information systems, is both a process and a product, informed by the closely aligned fields of information visualisation and knowledg management. Knowledge visualisation has untapped potential within the purview of knowledge communication. Even so, knowledge visualisations are infrequently deployed due to a lack of evidence-based guidance. To improve this situation, we carried out a systematic literature review to derive a number of “lenses” that can be used to reveal the essential perspectives to feed into the visualisation production process.We propose a conceptual framework which incorporates these lenses to guide producers of knowledge visualisations. This framework uses the different lenses to reveal critical perspectives that need to be considered during the design process. We conclude by demonstrating how this framework could be used to produce an effective knowledge visualisation

Test Data Sets for Evaluating Data Visualization Techniques

In this paper we take a step toward addressing a pressing general problem in the development of data visualization systems — how to measure their effectiveness. The step we take is to define a model for specifying the generation of test data that can be em-ployed for standardized and quantitative testing of a system’s per-formance. These test data sets, in conjunction with appropriate testing procedures, can provide a basis for certifying the effective-ness of a visualization system and for conducting comparative studies to steer system development

Information visualization approach in marine fisheries landing data

This paper studied the landings statistical data in marine fisheries by the state of Terengganu for the period of time 2000 until 2009 and to discuss some of the main features on how information visualization technique can be used as a keystone technology for represent these fisheries data. Information visualization (InfoVis) represents an abstract data in graphical representation concepts in such a way that is more natural or easier for human to comprehend. InfoVis is recognized as one of the important way to help users to study, explore, and present information in fisheries data. Today, this emerging technology is important in fisheries and plays a vital role in developing integrated approaches to fishery management and assessment. It helps to convey relatively complex technical information to scientists, managers and decision makers. Since visualization technology provide a high degree of functionality in sampling design, data assimilation, exploratory data analysis and model development, they will continue to play an increasing significant strategic role in fishery management and assessment

Learning object semantic description for enhancing reusability

In the design of activities for Web-Based Education Systems, the concept of Didactic Object or Learning Object, has appeared as the axis of a new paradigm concerned with the reusability of contents and activities, due to its organization from a conceptual point of view, the use of metadata in known formats and the setting of new standards. In this article, the concept of reusability is analyzed within the context of the systems mentioned. In addition, Sowa-Style Conceptual Maps as well as Hypermedia Conceptual Maps are proposed as schemes capable of representing knowledge, since they allow for a clear visualization and tend to enable known automated functionalities accurately. The above mentioned resources tend to complete the information in metadata with regard to the semantic aspect.Facultad de Informátic

Learning object semantic description for enhancing reusability

In the design of activities for Web-Based Education Systems, the concept of Didactic Object or Learning Object, has appeared as the axis of a new paradigm concerned with the reusability of contents and activities, due to its organization from a conceptual point of view, the use of metadata in known formats and the setting of new standards. In this article, the concept of reusability is analyzed within the context of the systems mentioned. In addition, Sowa-Style Conceptual Maps as well as Hypermedia Conceptual Maps are proposed as schemes capable of representing knowledge, since they allow for a clear visualization and tend to enable known automated functionalities accurately. The above mentioned resources tend to complete the information in metadata with regard to the semantic aspect.Facultad de Informátic

Glyph visualization: A fail-safe design scheme based on quasi-hamming distances

© 1981-2012 IEEE. In many spatial and temporal visualization applications, glyphs provide an effective means for encoding multivariate data. However, because glyphs are typically small, they are vulnerable to various perceptual errors. This article introduces the concept of a quasi-Hamming distance in the context of glyph design and examines the feasibility of estimating the quasi-Hamming distance between a pair of glyphs and the minimal Hamming distance for a glyph set. The authors demonstrate the design concept by developing a file-system event visualization that can depict the activities of multiple users

An Interactive Visual Approach to Construction Project Scheduling

Sound project management is an important pillar of success for a construction company. Project schedules are the primary tools for communicating the thinking and planning by the management team to all the stakeholders in a construction project. Traditional project scheduling software have become an indispensable tool for managers in various project oriented industries for tracking the schedule, the budget and resource requirements of a project as well as for preparing reports, providing on-line access to project information and communication with the members of the project team. However, these benefits are realized only after the project information is entered into the computer and updated periodically. Setting up a computer schedule for a construction project requires entering into the computer not only all project activities and their durations and resource requirements but also organizing and sequencing of project activities. This requires considerable time and effort and consequently a full-scale time study is not usually performed for all projects. New parametric CAD software is revolutionizing the way architects, engineers and contractors work and can significantly increase construction management productivity by substantially reducing the manual work necessary for computerized construction scheduling. The data model of new parametric CAD software allows easy exchange of building design information among various software systems during design, construction and service life of projects. Research is underway at Marquette University to investigate how new parametric CAD software such as Autodesk Revit can improve construction scheduling and project control functions. The main objective of the research is to find a simple and intuitive way for transferring the necessary project information from an architectural CAD model to scheduling software and streamlining sequencing and organizing project activities. Achieving this objective will eliminate one of the most tedious and time consuming steps in creating a construction project schedule. The study proposes a visual approach to extracting project information and transferring them to scheduling software. In this approach, first a 3D model of the project is created using project\u27s digital Revit CAD files. Extraction, organizing, sequencing and transferring of project elements to scheduling software is performed during a walkthrough of the 3D model. During a walkthrough, the user can select a building element by pointing to the element. This capability allows the user to select both an element and its predecessors before executing a command that sends the information to the scheduling program. This approach reduces the tedious task of listing, organizing, sequencing, and transferring construction project information to scheduling software to a simple expedition inside the building