The parallel coordinate plot in action: design and use for geographic visualization

Implementations of interactive parallel coordinate plots in geographic visualization systems are presented. The plots represent spatial and spatio-temporal data, and are linked to maps and scatterplots. The interactive features of the parallel coordinate representations are discussed, with particular emphasis on their ability to facilitate geographic data exploration and understanding. The paper will present the systems as "case studies" to demonstrate the philosophical and practical advantages of highly interactive, multiple-perspective environments, including parallel coordinate plots, for the exploration of complex spatial and spatiotemporal information. Emphasis is placed on the encouragement and facilitation of creative thinking about geographic phenomena through the use of such data-rich graphical tools. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.