Information Visualization

Transform your information into a visual masterpiece

In a recent article, Michael Friendly defines information visualization as the study of "the visual representation of large-scale collections of non-numerical information, such as files and lines of code in software systems, library and bibliographic databases, networks of relations on the internet, and so forth." This is an easily-understood definition of a very complex process. Information visualization basically creates intuitive ways to display abstract data. These visualization methods utilize the human eye's broad bandwidth access to the mind to facilitate seeing, exploring and understanding vast quantities of data instantaneously.

How it began

The recent exploration of visualization techniques dates to the development of computer graphics. In retrospect, the low level of available graphics power is perceived as the reason that early visualization techniques have limited usefulness. Most programmers agree that the major development of productive information visualization techniques dates to the 1987 special issue of Visualization in Scientific Computing. Devoted to the general areas of data, information and scientific visualization, this revolutionary work is responsible for the exploration of more specialized topics dealing with volume visualization.

Where it is used

Information visualization now incorporates techniques gleaned from research results in many fields, including business analysis, psychological studies and visual and graphical design. Visualization is often a major part of scientific analysis, data stratification, market research, pharmaceutical development, industrial process control, library digitization and a wide variety of financial sector studies.

What it does

There is now a wide variety of information visualization software packages designed to display large amounts of data in an elegant yet easily-understood way. Thesaurus visualization displays similar words for a single term in a visually-appealing manner. Information visualization helps employees and managers at all levels in virtually any type of business understand and evaluate their business and make appropriate changes in their activities. Incorporate information visualization in your day-to-day business management activities and keep your competitive edge in these ever-changing market conditions.