Graphical access to symbol databases

A description is given of the development and evaluation of a prototype symbol database for the retrieval of symbols by shape. Such a symbol database is particularly suited to manipulation using a GUI, as the items within the database can be described in terms of their graphic elements. These elements can be identified by users through investigating their perceptions of the graphic characteristics of symbols. These can then form the basis of the retrieval system. There are some problems with regard to the accuracy of people´s descriptions and interpretations of graphic elements. It is therefore important to establish the boundaries of the category of graphic elements that is represented by a specific graphic image in the interface