Visual query tools for uncertain data in space and time

Abstract

The aim of our project was to develop query and visualisation tools for this archive of African art. Our query system had to be designed to cope with different degrees of uncertainty in data, both in time and space. One of our initial ideas was to use a geographic map to drive the interface to the system. Items were plotted as a point on the map at some random location which fell within the given location of uncertainty for the item. However, user feedback indicated that this approach was problematic, as users assumed that the point on the map was the actual location of the artwork. A better approach was found in driving the interface around a time-line metaphor.