| 摘要 |
A large collection of data is represented as a hierarchy of two-dimensional maps displayed on a computer monitor. The data is used to generate an incidence matrix, representing interrelationships among elements of the data. The matrix is then used to construct a hierarchy of planar graphs (e). Each graph is converted into a two-dimensional map which shows conventional geographical features, these geographical features being used to represent symbolically various aspects of the data (b, c and d). The user of the system sees a large-scale map, preferably a globe (a), representing the entire data collection. By expanding more detailed portions of the map, the user accesses to a plurality of lower-level maps. At the lowest hierarchial level, the user sees a simple graph sh owing the interrelationships among data elements in the data collection (e), allowing the user to access basic data elements. The invention permits the user to analyze a large data collection, and/or to study large sytems.
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