A Hybrid Approach based on Parallel Coordinates and Star Plot

Abstract

Multivariate data visualization has to accommodate all dimensions/variables of a given dataset in the same display so that the data items can be rendered with respect to these variables. We propose a hybrid approach based on the combination of the standard parallel coordinates and star plot techniques by implementing a focus + context scheme. The focus area displays the parallel coordinates plot of the data with respect to few selected dimensions by mapping them as vertical parallel axes sufficiently wide to provide a clear view of the variables and data. The context area then maps the rest of the variables as tightly packed radial axes forming one or two partial star plots. We design multiple layouts of combining the parallel and star axes. Each layout maintains the data continuity between the focus and context displays. Our tests show that the proposed hybrid axes plot can manage a large number of variables (even exceeding one hundred) to support effective visualization of ultra-high dimensional datasets.