Continuous Scatterplots
Bachthaler, S.; Weiskopf, D.
Visualization and Computer Graphics, IEEE Transactions on
Volume 14, Issue 6, Nov.-Dec. 2008 Page(s):1428 - 1435
Digital Object Identifier   10.1109/TVCG.2008.119
Summary:Scatterplots are well established means of visualizing discrete data values with two data variables as a collection of discrete points. We aim at generalizing the concept of scatterplots to the visualization of spatially continuous input data by a continuous and dense plot. An example of a continuous input field is data defined on an n-D spatial grid with respective interpolation or reconstruction of in-between values. We propose a rigorous, accurate, and generic mathematical model of continuous scatterplots that considers an arbitrary density defined on an input field on an n-D domain and that maps this density to m-D scatterplots. Special cases are derived from this generic model and discussed in detail: scatterplots where the n-D spatial domain and the m-D data attribute domain have identical dimension, 1-D scatterplots as a way to define continuous histograms, and 2-D scatterplots of data on 3-D spatial grids. We show how continuous histograms are related to traditional discrete histograms and to the histograms of isosurface statistics. Based on the mathematical model of continuous scatterplots, respective visualization algorithms are derived, in particular for 2-D scatterplots of data from 3-D tetrahedral grids. For several visualization tasks, we show the applicability of continuous scatterplots. Since continuous scatterplots do not only sample data at grid points but interpolate data values within cells, a dense and complete visualization of the data set is achieved that scales well with increasing data set size. Especially for irregular grids with varying cell size, improved results are obtained when compared to conventional scatterplots. Therefore, continuous scatterplots are a suitable extension of a statistics visualization technique to be applied to typical data from scientific computation.

» View citation and abstract

Log in by entering your IEEE Web Account Username and Password.

IEEE Communications Society members: If you subscribe to the IEEE Electronic Periodicals Package or IEEE Electronic Periodicals Package Plus, you must access your subscription at www.comsoc.org.

Check with your librarian, information professional, or system manager to determine if you need to log in. Please complete the online Technical Support Form if you need assistance.

Select the Purchase History link to access the document. You will have 5 Days after purchase to access the Full Text PDF. Please complete the online Technical Support Form if you need assistance.

• Search and access Abstract records free of charge
• Register for table of contents alerts
• Purchase Full Text PDF documents

» Learn more about subscription options or how to become an IEEE Member.