Information visualisation in information retrieval systems

Abstract

The paper brings an overview of information visualization field, concentrating on its application to information retrieval systems. It presents the basis of information visualization and the reasons that implicate the use of visualization in information retrieval systems. It also discusses the selection of the right visualization technique and portrays some examples of visualization. Special attention is given to evaluation problems and results of information retrieval visualizations that were made so far. Even though studies have not proved information retrieval to be more successful with the use of visualization, it seems that researchers still believe in the power and the advantages of visualization and continue to look for a technique that would prove that. The authors conclude that with the changes on the web and the progress made in information retrieval systems, the time for visualization that would live up to its expectations might only be coming.