Visualization of an imperfect world

Visualized data and information can be inaccurate or even wrong. Moreover, in the synthetic digital world anybody can visualize anything in any shape or form, disregarding how users might perceive or get the information. Worse, as technology develops, it becomes easier to do so. Understanding the data and information and reaching sound decisions require knowing what pieces of information or data are accurate, complete, consistent, and certain, identifying which are not and by how much, and making the presentation accurate. The author discusses the following issues: sources of imperfection in information; representing the degree of imperfection; intuitive visual metaphors and cues for representing imperfection; imperfect presentation; and notions of managing imperfection and visualization