Visualization exploration and encapsulation via a spreadsheet-like interface

Exploring complex, very large data sets requires interfaces to present and navigate through the visualization of the data. Two types of audience benef it from such coherent organization and representation: First, the user of t he visualization system can examine and evaluate their data more efficientl y; second, collaborators or reviewers can quickly understand and extend the visualization. The needs of these two groups are addressed by the spreadsh eet-like interface described here. The interface represents a two-dimension al window into a multidimensional visualization parameter space. Data is ex plored by navigating this space via the interface. The visualization space is presented to the user in a manner that clearly identifies which paramete rs correspond to which visualized result. Operations defined on this space can be applied which generate new parameters or results. Combined with a ge neral purpose interpreter, these functions can be utilized to quickly extra ct desired results. Finally, by encapsulating the visualization process, re dundant exploration is eliminated and collaboration is facilitated. The eff icacy of this novel interface is demonstrated through examples using a vari ety of data sets in different domains.