A methodology for scientific data visualisation: choosing representations based on a natural scene paradigm

A methodology for guiding the choice of visual representations of data is presented. The methodology provides objective and directed display design facilities. Such facilities can guide interactive visualization design, generate standard visualizations automatically, and assess the extent to which chosen representations can convey the required information to data analysis. The methodology is based on objectively distinguishing the types of information conveyed by various visual representations and matching these to the intrinsic characteristics of data and to aims for its interpretation. This approach is directed toward developing a stronger theoretical basis for visualization in scientific computation. The methodology is developed using a natural scene paradigm in which data variables are represented by identifiable properties of realistic scenes