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What Is Visual Data Mining?
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  • Written By: A. Leverkuhn
  • Edited By: Andrew Jones
  • Copyright Protected:
    2003-2012
    Conjecture Corporation
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Visual data mining is a new idea that uses recent technology to apply some specific principles to how humans interpret data. Data mining in general is the process of detecting patterns in a certain chunk of information. Data mining is used in all kinds of fields and for all kinds of purposes. It is a very general method, applied in detailed ways to get specific results, in areas like finance, medicine, public administration and government, transportation, and much more.

Much of the phenomena known as data mining is only possible using recently invented technology. The microcomputer is the most relevant example of this. Computers can collect and display a huge amount of data. With data mining, humans can interpret this data in different ways. That is the power that data mining brings to the human community, and the potential that its practitioners are looking at for improving modern methodologies.

In visual data mining, programmers build interfaces that allow for visual presentations to be a part of how human users interpret the data that they see. This kind of program is being built in various industries. Scientists and programmers are still looking at the possibilities of visual data mining, and suggesting some recommendations for best possible methods.

According to top theorists, simplicity is key for these kinds of interfaces. These programs must be able to display data in ways that make it easy for human users to “see” it. Those looking at involving visual data mining also see “leading” as a potential problem in visual data mining applications. Users need to be able to objectively draw their own conclusions from a visual data mining presentation.

Other issues in visual data mining involve whether the program is available to a large audience. Creators of these programs should also think about whether security is sufficient to protect the programs from unauthorized use. The overall design of systems must be precise. They should be easily accessible to users, secure from hackers, and made to be inherently powerful data presentations.

In some industries, visual data mining applications and similar programs are evolving at an amazing rate. Many who are engaged in these sectors find it useful to keep track of the progress that others are making in related technologies. Visual and interactive data mining is expected to be an important tool for the future of the interaction between humans and computers.

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