Data Visualization, 2nd Edition

Chapter 3

Data Representation

IN Chapter 2, we used a simple application, the visualization of a two-variable function using a height plot, to introduce several main concepts of data visualization, such as datasets, sampling, and rendering. Our discussion revolved around the dataset as a key concept for approximating a continuous signal by means of a discrete representation.

In this chapter, we expand this discussion on discrete data representation and approximation. First, we detail the notions of continuous data sampling and reconstruction. We introduce basis functions, discrete meshes, and cells, as a means of constructing piecewise continuous approximations from sampled data. These notions are illustrated using the simple example of visualizing ...