Author(s): Richard J. Resnick, Matthew O. Ward, and Elke A. Rundensteiner, Computer Science Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609

Source: International Conference on Scientific and Statistical Database Management Systems, July, 1998.

Abstract: This paper presents a paradigm for the interactive selection (querying) of data from a structured grid of data points for exploratory visualization. The paradigm is based on specifying and iteratively adjusting the Focus, Extent, and Density (FED) of the data attributes. The FED model supports highly complex queries of structured data in an intuitive fashion, and is augmented with a visual interface composed of a set of simple yet powerful user interface controls for query specification. In addition, statistical aggregations are supported by the model. Finally, the FED model is compared to the SQL paradigm, and is shown to be well suited for mapping to a direct-manipulation graphical interface.