The State‐of‐the‐Art of Set Visualization

TLDR

Abstract Sets are a generic data model used in many data‑analysis problems, involving the analysis and visualization of set relations among multiple sets defined over the same elements, yet visualizing sets is non‑trivial because of the vast number of possible relations. The authors systematically review state‑of‑the‑art set‑visualization techniques, compare the resulting categories to guide technique selection, and identify research challenges with proposed directions. They classify the techniques into six categories based on visual representations and supported tasks, providing a structured overview. Further resources on set visualization are available at http://www.setviz.net.

Abstract

Abstract Sets comprise a generic data model that has been used in a variety of data analysis problems. Such problems involve analysing and visualizing set relations between multiple sets defined over the same collection of elements. However, visualizing sets is a non‐trivial problem due to the large number of possible relations between them. We provide a systematic overview of state‐of‐the‐art techniques for visualizing different kinds of set relations. We classify these techniques into six main categories according to the visual representations they use and the tasks they support. We compare the categories to provide guidance for choosing an appropriate technique for a given problem. Finally, we identify challenges in this area that need further research and propose possible directions to address these challenges. Further resources on set visualization are available at http://www.setviz.net .