Interactive data exploration with a supercomputer

An experiment in exploratory data visualization using a massively parallel processor is described, able to find new features in some of their oldest datasets and to create more vivid presentations of familiar features in these datasets.

Abstract

An experiment in exploratory data visualization using a massively parallel processor is described. In exploratory data visualization, it is typically not known what is being looked for: instead, the data are explored with a variety of visualization techniques that can illuminate its nature by demonstrating patterns in it. With this approach, the authors were able to find new features in some of their oldest datasets and to create more vivid presentations of familiar features in these datasets. Their experience has also led to a better understanding of the nature of the exploratory visualization and has resulted in some formal representations of the interaction process in this environment.>