Abstract
This paper describes a new approach, space-optimized tree, for the visualization
and navigation of tree-structured relational data. This technique can be used
especially for the display of very large hierarchies in a two-dimensional space.
We discuss the advantages and limitations of current techniques of tree
visualization. Our strategy is to optimize the drawing of trees in a geometrical
plane and maximize the utilization of display space by allowing more nodes
and links to be displayed at a limited screen resolution. Space-optimized tree is
a connection+enclosure visualization approach that recursively positions children of a subtree into polygon areas and still uses a node – link diagram to present the entire hierarchical structure. To be able to handle the navigation of large hierarchies, we use a new hybrid viewing technique that combines two viewing methods, the modified semantic zooming and a focus+context technique. While the semantic zooming technique can enlarge a particular viewing area by filtering out the rest of tree structure from the visualization, the focus+context technique allows the user to interactively focus, view and browse the entire visual structure with a reasonable high-density display.
and navigation of tree-structured relational data. This technique can be used
especially for the display of very large hierarchies in a two-dimensional space.
We discuss the advantages and limitations of current techniques of tree
visualization. Our strategy is to optimize the drawing of trees in a geometrical
plane and maximize the utilization of display space by allowing more nodes
and links to be displayed at a limited screen resolution. Space-optimized tree is
a connection+enclosure visualization approach that recursively positions children of a subtree into polygon areas and still uses a node – link diagram to present the entire hierarchical structure. To be able to handle the navigation of large hierarchies, we use a new hybrid viewing technique that combines two viewing methods, the modified semantic zooming and a focus+context technique. While the semantic zooming technique can enlarge a particular viewing area by filtering out the rest of tree structure from the visualization, the focus+context technique allows the user to interactively focus, view and browse the entire visual structure with a reasonable high-density display.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3-15 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Information Visualization |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
| Externally published | Yes |