SDM: Selective Dynamic Scaling
The SDM system is a set of techniques for manipulating the graphical elements within a visualization. These techniques address some of the perceptual problems that sometimes arise in visualizations, such as occlusion, small objects, and perspective. The figures below show some of the techniques in the SDM system:
The first technique allows us to lift a set of interesting objects over and above the other objects in the data set so that we may view these objects without any occlusion. However, positional context with the other data elements is still maintained.
The second technique allows us to contract the size of the less interesting objects in our data set so that the most interesting objects become more salient. In this case, we also reduce occlusion of the focus object set.
The third technique solves the problem of 3D-perspective. It is sometimes hard for us to compare the size or heights of objects that are at different distances from us because the object sizes are affected by the perspective of the display. The SDM system allows us to simplify size comparisons by moving a set of objects onto a line that is perpendicular to our line of sight. This temporarily converts the 3D-bar chart into a 2D-bar chart.
For more information on the SDM system please check out the SAGE project page and the related publications.
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