Foundation for a science of data visualization

Visualization applies vision research to practical problems of data analysis. The development of an applied science of data visualization can encourage vision researchers to intensify their efforts in addressing such problems as 3D space and task-oriented perception. As the importance of visualization is growing, so are the benefits of a scientific approach. New symbol systems are being developed constantly to meet the needs of a society increasingly dependent on data. This chapter introduces a key distinction between the ideas of sensory and arbitrary conventional symbols. With no basic model of visual processing the idea of a good data representation is brought down to the problem of visualization. The chapter emphasizes that all humans do have more or less the same visual system. This visual system has evolved over tens of millions of years to enable creatures to perceive and act within the natural environment.