Sindvis: User-centered dynamic interactive visualization system for space information networks

Abstract

As an important national strategy infrastructure, the Space Information Network (SIN) is a powerful platform for future information support. In this paper, we design and implement a user-centered, dynamic, interactive visualization system (SINDVis), and aim to assist multi-class users to understand, build, develop, maintain, and manage the SIN. We introduce the concept and architecture of SIN, summarize the key technologies of dynamic visualization and visual analysis, and analyze the basic characteristics of three types of users. Combining the content above, we design the architecture of SINDVis from an input module, a core-processing module, an output module, and a user body. We also describe eight basic functions of the entity domain view (GeoView) and topology domain view (TopolView). Meanwhile, we analyze the implementation methods of the GeoView and TopolView, including an improved Force-Directed Algorithm (FDA) layout, Fusion of Animation and Timeline (FAT) visualization, and Panning and Zooming (P&Z) interactions. We analyze the experiment platforms and running environments of the GeoView and TopolView and realize the main contents of both views with a typical SIN. The results also verify the validity and feasibility of the theories and methods proposed. Finally, we discuss and analyze experimental results and the advantages and disadvantages of the SINDVis and look forward to future work. With the development of visualization and visual analysis technology, both application-driven and user-interaction features are gradually highlighted. We introduce the visualization technology into the field of SIN in order to provide new ideas for the basic theory and key technology research of SIN.