A spreadsheet approach to information visualization

Abstract

In information visualization, as the volume and complexity of the data increases, researchers require more powerful visualization tools that enable them to more effectively explore multidimensional datasets. In this paper, we discuss the general utility of a novelvisualizationspreadsheetframework. Justasa numerical spreadsheetenablesexplorationof numbers,a visualizationspreadsheet enables exploration of visual forms of information. We show that the spreadsheetapproachfacilitates certain information visualization tasks that are more difficult using other approaches. Unlike traditional spreadsheets,which store only simple data elementsand formulasineachcell,avisualizationspreadsheetcellcanholdanentire complex data set, selection criteria, viewing specifications,and other information needed for a full-fledged information visualization. Similarly, inter-cell operations are far more complex, stretching beyond simple arithmetic and string operations to encompassa range of domain-specific operators. We have built two prototype systems that illustrate some of these research issues. The underlying approachin our work allows domain experts to definenew data types and data operations, and enables visualization experts to incorporate new visualizations, viewing parameters, and view operations.