We prove that the-construction of a recurrence matrix (a matrix of int
er-vector distances) preserves the dynamical properties of an observed
attractor. Because of this fact, a recurrence matrix is a useful tran
sform for studying high-dimensional systems, ''compressing'' high-dime
nsional vector sets into a two-dimensional format without losing relev
ant information. Practical issues are discussed in an example. (C) 199
7 Elsevier Science B.V.