Visualization

Abstract

An overview of the principal aspects of visualization is provided. It presents an analysis of what visual tools and facilities are, and what they can do. These have developed over time and a summary of their history is also provided so that their present context in the analysis of data by computers can be more fully understood. Various aspects of computer graphics and visualization are reviewed, and a summary of current facilities in these areas is presented. The emphasis is on what these visual representations and tools can do rather than the current research and development that is taking place at the frontiers of the disciplines. However, references and further reading are provided for those who wish to drill down to the detail in a particular area. It is important also to consider the role that human perception and cognition plays in the understanding of images, their representations, and the colors that are used. The issue of appropriate use of images in representing data is considered, and the ownership and reproduction of images are reviewed. In order for a user to select particular parts of a dataset, or to zoom into an area of interest, appropriate interaction tools and facilities are needed. Using an interaction tool is a two-way process—it has to interface appropriately to the information space and the model being displayed by the computer, and also to the human using it. The human factors and ergonomics of using visual tools need to be considered, particularly in time-critical application areas. Professional societies and organizations in the area of visualization and their publication vehicles are summarized. Possible future directions for the display of visual information are reviewed.