CIS 736 (Computer Graphics)

Spring, 2004

 

Homework Assignment 5

 

Friday, 23 April 2004

Due: Monday, 03 May 2004 (by 5pm)

 

1. (10 points) Shape Representation. Draw the quadtrees for the following two adaptively subdivided objects, S (left) and T (right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  1.  (20 points) The Visual Display of Quantitative Information.  Refer to E. R. Tufte’s book of the same title (especially the sections handed out and covered in lecture) for this problem.  Attach the graphic(s) you have chosen for this problem in losslessly-compressed (preferably TIFF or GIF) format – use a scanner such as the one in the CIS department library to digitize the image if it is from a printed medium.

 

a)       (10 points) Select a recent data visualization that is identifiably computer-generated, preferably a scientific visualization involving geometric modeling or a statistical data visualization based on some of the methods (texturing, color coding, etc.) covered in class.  Your selection may come from the web or from print media, or may be generated using software.   Cite the web site (including the URL), book, magazine, or code from which you obtained the visualization.  Now, write a short critique of the visualization including one paragraph each on graphical excellence and graphical integrity as discussed in Chapters 1 and 2 of the first Tufte book.  Focus on CG design quality and the strengths and weaknesses of the visualization: In what ways does it possess or lack graphical excellence?  Is it informative?  Intuitive?  Clear?  Concise?  Interesting?  In what ways does it possess or lack graphical integrity?  Is it accurate?  Precise?  Honest?  How does the CG aspect of the visualization support or detract from these properties?

 

b)       (10 points) Suggest two ways in which you would improve the information design to achieve greater graphical excellence or graphical integrity.  (You may also give one suggestion on each).

 

  1.  (20 points) Visual Explanations.  Refer to E. R. Tufte’s book of the same title (especially the sections handed out and covered in lecture) for this problem. Attach the graphic(s) you have chosen.

 

a)       (10 points) Select a recent visual confection that is identifiably computer-generated.  Again, your selection may come from any of the media that the first did.  In fact, you may use the same visualization, but focus on the object visualization (as opposed to the quantitative data visualization) aspects.  Give a two-paragraph critique of the object visualization.  How, if at all, are small multiples, micro/macro design, color, and visual context used to convey information?

 

b)       (10 points) Suggest one way in which you would improve the information design to better convey information about the object.  What questions would you be able to efficiently answer using this improved visualization that could not be satisfactorily answered in the original visualization?