Representation of hierarchical structures in 3D space

ABSTRACT

Hierarchical structures are found in much of the data that is used in everyday life including organisational management hierarchies and computer directory structures. The effective visualisation of large hierarchical information structures on limited size and resolution computer displays is important. The evolution of multimedia user interfaces is moving towards 3D graphical user interfaces for certain applications. One possible use of 3D on the WWW would be to extend the concept of presenting information of an organisation in three dimensions. The objective of this research project was to create an object-oriented framework that could be used to represent hierarchical data in 3D space using modified cone trees. Implementing and modelling the data used by a tertiary institution tested the framework. The research shows that frameworks can be used to represented hierarchical structures in 3D space and can assist users in manipulating and better visualising hierarchical data.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.5 Object-oriented Programming

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.4 Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.4 Graphics Utilities

Keywords:
3D Web Sites, Cone Tree, Hierarchical Structures, Object-Oriented Framework