Theme 7: Models of the Visualization Process

This theme describes the visualization process as a flow of data and operations. Pipeline models are used as well as reference models to conceptualize the visualization process from various standpoints of systems builders and users. This theme concentrates on conceptual descriptions of the visualization process through its evolution since the mid ´80s. In order to understand and compare the concepts of current visualization systems and guide designers and developers in their developments of next-generation systems, abstractions to describe main components of the visualization process and the interfaces between them, including users and their behavior, are needed.

(7.1) Process models

This chapter describes various diagrams used to explain models of visualization processes (suggested chronological order)

(7.1.1) Pipeline

Pipelines show the data flow in a visualization process from left to right, with no or only limited opportunity to reverse actions.

(7.1.2) "Man in the loop"

"Man in the loop" is an early taxonomy explaining data and visualization processes together with human interaction.

(7.1.3) Visualization idioms

Visualization idioms provide a concept similar to the visualization pipeline but with extended flexibility for the user.

(7.1.4) interactive models

on the level of data handling such models allow to interactively point into the data, to use semantic interaction with data or an intelligent handling of large data sets; on the level of representations these models allow the integration of different visualization methods into one image; on the level of the user interface such models allow to interrupt the visualization process at any time to interactively change simulation parameters, rendering parameters etc.

(7.2) Reference model

This chapter describes one reference model to compare the various approaches of process models.

(7.3) Enabling technologies

This chapter describes various visualization processes through the aspects of software engineering and hardware technologies.

(7.3.1) Software and hardware

Software and hardware design issues relevant to the usability of visualization tools are discussed, such as batch mode versus interactivity, distributed environments and object oriented paradigms.

(7.3.2) User interface

Data flow diagramming for the user interface are discussed as well as truly interactive systems.

(7.3.3) Mapping strategies

Strategies of (automatic or assisting) visualization systems are explained in detail, such as APT, VISTA, BOZ, SAGE, or IDIAS