The IST-05 Reference Model in Evaluation and Design
Abstract
A "visualization system" is a system for presenting, probably interactively, some part of a dataspace in such a way that a user with some purpose in mind can visualize the import of the data for that purpose. Visualization is something that happens in the head of a human, and may be evoked not only by graphical presentations, but also by text, or even by non-visual presentations such as touch and sound. Visualization is taken to be one of tow parallel routs to understand, the other being analysis. Analysis works primarily by applying reasoning in the form of logic or mathematics to identifiable discrete entities, whereas visualization often involves the perception of patterns involving the relationships among may items that may not even be individually identifiable. In many situations understanding is best achieved by the mutual support of visualization and analysis, visualization proving a context within which analysis provides precision. The IST-05 Reference model describes visualization systems in a way that is both general and precise. Because of its generality, it can describe and guide the evaluation of any visualization system, and as a consequence of its precision, it can be used to guide the system's design and evolutionary improvement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428048
Entities
People
- Martin Taylor