Visualization Research at WPI

Visualization research at WPI has focussed predominantly on the development and testing of new tools for the interactive exploration of multivariate data. Some of these include:

• XmdvTool, a visualization tool integrating several techniques (scatterplot matrices, parallel coordinates, star glyphs, and dimensional stacking) for multivariate data presentation and exploration.
• MAVIS, a visualization tool based on animating the multidimensional scaling process.
• SpiralGlyphics, a Java application for exploring multivariate data with periodic or cyclic behavior.

Other visualization projects are tied to specific application areas. Some of these include:

• SimCortex, a java applet based on particle systems for studying models of the developing cerebral cortex.
• FireDB, an NSF-sponsored project for exploring how one might use a database of simulated building fires, real-time sensors, and visualization to help in the suppression of actual fires.

Efforts continue in the development of these and other visualization projects. A recent NSF grant will support the investigation and development of visualization and data management methods capable of supporting the interactive exploration of very large (millions of records) multivariate data sets by extending XmdvTool to allow hierarchical visualization and interaction techniques.

Questions regarding these and other visualization projects at WPI can be directed via e-mail to Matt Ward .