Knowledge and Information Visualization: Searching for Synergies

Visualization has proven to be an effective strategy for supporting users in coping with complexity in knowledge- and information-rich scenarios. Up to now, however, information visualization and knowledge visualization have been distinct research areas, which have been developed independently of each other. This book aims toward bringing both approaches together and look- ing for synergies, which may be used for fostering learning, instruction, and problem solving. This introductory article seeks to provide a conceptual frame- work and a preview of the contributions of this volume. The most important concepts referred to in this book are defined and a conceptual rationale is pro- vided as to why visualization may be effective in fostering, processing and managing knowledge and information. The basic ideas underlying knowledge visualization and information visualization are outlined. The preview of each approach addresses its basic concept, as well as how it fits into the conceptual rationale of the book. The contributions are structured according to whether they belong to one of the following basic categories: "Background", "Knowl- edge Visualization", "Information Visualization", and "Synergies".