Visualizing and Editing Symbolic Objects

In this chapter, we propose a means to visualize symbolic objects (SO’s). Graphical representations are a well-known solution for identifying relevant information in large and complex information spaces. Symbolic objects are a new type of statistical data that are characterized by their complexity. Therefore, it was necessary to design a corresponding graphical representation that allows all the necessary information to be concisely visualised without overloading the graphic. After a short review of the literature relating to this domain, we shall describe our graphical solution, which we have named Zoom Star (Noirhomme 1997a,b). It provides different levels of detail according to the user’s needs. Afterwards, we shall show, by means of examples, how the graphical representation can be used in practice.