(Focus+context)3: distortion-oriented displays in three dimensions

Abstract

3D datasets are becoming increasingly common, especially the use of large 3D datasets in geographical information systems (GIS) applications. Similar problems are likely with 3D datasets as have been found with large 2D datasets; namely the loss of context when examining a particular area of the data in detail. This paper proposes a solution based on 3D distortion-oriented displays, building on previous work on such displays for 2D datasets. Two such 3D distortion-oriented displays are described: the 3D Cartesian fisheye display and the 3D polar fisheye display. These displays are tested with a very small 3D dataset as a proof of concept, and it is proposed that their operation should be examined when applied to large datasets.