Books

Books : reviews

Robert (2) Spence.
Information Visualization.
Addison-Wesley. 2001

In a world awash with data there is an increasing need for effective methods of gaining insight into the underlying information. We need methods for visualizing information to support rapid learning and accurate decision making.

This is the first fully integrated book on the emerging discipline of information visualization. Its emphasis is on real-world examples and applications of computer-generated interactive information visualization. Information Visualization deals with the representation and presentation of concepts and data in a meaningful way. Depending on the medium used, information can be visualized in either traditional static form (e.g. a graph on a printed page) or the more recent and powerful interactive and dynamic forms that this book emphasizes.

This book is appropriate for students taking courses on information visualization, human—computer interaction, business information technology, and computer graphics. It is also appropriate for professionals in many areas: the Chief Executive Officer will be able to suggest ways of communicating ideas and concepts; decision makers will be exposed to new and potentially effective tools; investigative analysts, scientists and engineers will realize new ways of examining their data; and interaction designers will become familiar with the latest interactive visualization techniques.

Features

• The first fully integrated full-colour text in this emerging field, using real-world examples and applications.
• The book stresses the new interactive and dynamic visualization techniques.
• Readers will learn how to display information in order to: pick out key information from large data streams; present ideas clearly and effectively; allow effective data exploration; and support effective decision making.
• The clear writing style makes this a widely accessible text.