Comprehension of software analysis data using 3D visualization

The paper presents a software visualization application-framework that utilizes a variety of 3D metaphors to represent large software system and related analysis data. The 3D representation is based on the SeeSoft pixel representation and extends that original metaphor by rendering the visualization in a 3D space. Object-based manipulation methods and simultaneous alternative mappings are available to the user. The visual elements, mappings, and user interactions implemented and used by the framework are described with respect to their support for software understanding tasks. Examples are presented and discussed to demonstrate how the system´s current features support the needs of the user.