Phoenixmap: An Abstract Approach to Visualize 2D Spatial Distributions

Junhan Zhao, Xiang Liu, Chen Guo, Cheryl Qian, Yingjie Victor Chen
2019 IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics  
The multidimensional nature of spatial data poses a challenge for visualization. In this paper, we introduce Phoenixmap, a simple abstract visualization method to address the issue of visualizing multiple spatial distributions at once. The Phoenixmap approach starts by identifying the enclosed outline of the point collection, then assigns different widths to outline segments according to the segments' corresponding inside regions. Thus, one 2D distribution is represented as an outline with
more » ... d thicknesses. Phoenixmap is capable of overlaying multiple outlines and comparing them across categories of objects in a 2D space. We chose heatmap as a benchmark spatial visualization method and conducted user studies to compare performances among Phoenixmap, heatmap, and dot distribution map. Based on the analysis and participant feedback, we demonstrate that Phoenixmap 1) allows users to perceive and compare spatial distribution data efficiently; 2) frees up graphics space with a concise form that can provide visualization design possibilities like overlapping; and 3) provides a good quantitative perceptual estimating capability given the proper legends. Finally, we discuss several possible applications of Phoenixmap and present one visualization of multiple species of birds' active regions in a nature preserve.
doi:10.1109/tvcg.2019.2945960 pmid:31603789 fatcat:mkdgzcekwjfe7ppcjnzeoulzpy