DataSplash: A direct manipulation environment for programming semantic zoom visualizations of tabular data

We describe DataSplash, a direct manipulation system for creating semantic zoom visualizations of tabular (relational) data. DataSplash makes contribu tions in three areas that are key to the construction of such visualization s. Firsts DataSplash helps users graphically specify the visual appearance of groups of objects. Second, the system helps users visually program the w ay the appearance of groups of objects changes as users browse the visualiz ation. Third, DataSplash allows users to create groups of graphical links b etween canvases. These direct manipulation facilities simplify the process of constructing semantic zoom applications, particularly ones that display large data sets. (C) 2001 Academic Press.