Using curves to enhance parallel coordinate visualisations

Abstract

We introduce a number of refinements to the parallel coordinates visualisation metaphor for multidimensional data. Firstly, the traditional set of polylines are replaced with a collection of smooth curves across the attribute axes, allowing individual data elements to be traced under certain limitations; normally impossible due to the 'crossing problem'. Then the notion of spreading out points on axes with a few discrete values is introduced, which leads onto a simple focus+context technique when the user selects values on such axes.