Data object and label placement for information abundant visualizations
Jia Li, Catherine Plaisant, Ben Shneiderman · 1998
Placing numerous data objects and their corresponding labels in limited screen space is a challenging problem in information visualization systems. Extending map-oriented techniques, this paper describes static placement algorithms and develops metrics (such as compactness and labeling rate) as a basis for comparison among these algorithms. A control panel facilitates user customization by showing the metrics for alternative algorithms. Dynamic placement techniques that go beyond map-oriented techniques demonstrate additional possibilities. User actions can lead to selective display of data objects and their labels. KEYWORDS Timelines, data object placement, label placement, information visualization, control panel, metrics, visual feedback 1. INTRODUCTION Mapmakers and now, visualization designers have realized that designing effective presentations for abundant information is a difficult task. Part of the problem is the large number of the data objects compared with the limited scr...