Visualisation processes are techniques that present data in forms more meaningful to people than simply raw numbers. As the term implies, this is for vision based methods. However, audio or tactile representations of data could also be used, to help discover the meaning in data.

Tools are available for visualising from the simple to the extremely complex. This is not an exhaustive list. Contact research computing support for more information on some of the systems.

Simple

Spreadsheet and similar simple programs offer the capability to present data in the form of charts. these offer a simple method of viewing data. More information on charting using excel »

3D Visualisation

Data that can be grouped into three dimensions can be problematic to view. The problems involved in the representation include how to see data that is "behind" or "inside" other data. Visualisation packages that permit the user to make some regions transparent allow this to be less of a problem, though a simpler technique would be to allow the data region to be "sliced."

As well, the visualisation of three dimensions in the real world is enhanced by binocular vision. In the visualisation world, this is replaced by stereo-optical projection - separating the images that each eye sees to provide the perception of depth. More information on 3D »

Geospatial

Some data can be mapped to real world coordinates. This type of data can be visualised through geographical information systems (GIS) and mapped on projections of the surroundings. It is possible to use three dimensional maps that show elevation, and include surface features, or imagery. The Spatial Initiative, a service under the auspices of the Vice President Research has the expertise to help you with this. More information on GIS »

Textual

The visualisations do not have to be of numeric data. For example, there are techniques available for text, which can be effective in simplifying large textual databases. Examples of text visualisation ».