Tubes or Ribbons? Comparing Texture‐space Visualization for Multivariate Line Data

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Abstract

Multivariate line data is critical for analyzing flow fields, agent systems, and dynamic trajectories. Embedding secondary variables along spatial paths using surface-based primitives such as ribbons and circular tubes introduces challenges related to perspective, scale, and distortion. Perceptual trade-offs due to these challenges remain unclear. We address this gap through a controlled user study with 10 experts in computational fluid dynamics and visualization, performing four identical analysis tasks involving both spatial (requiring location-based relationships) and non-spatial (requiring attribute value comparisons) aspects. The tasks were performed using a prototype with interactivity limited to controlling the camera. While quantitative measures showed no significant performance differences between embedded visualizations on ribbons and tubes, we found a clear subjective preference for tubes among the study participants. Furthermore, their feedback indicates surface-based embeddings are generally helpful and should be utilized more often.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummere70441
FachzeitschriftComputer graphics forum
PublikationsstatusElektronische Veröffentlichung vor Drucklegung - 17 Juni 2026
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-2176-876X/work/218582141
ORCID /0000-0002-0466-2445/work/218582267

Schlagworte