Goals

New multimedia virtual systems use a combination of visualization and sonification to convey information to users. The term visualization has been in widespread usage; the term sonification, meaning "the transformation of numerical data into sound for purposes of observing that data" (NCSA ADG, 1999), or, more simply, "data representation through audio" (ICAD, 1999), is somewhat less widely used.

In describing goals in visualization, Edward R. Tufte (1983) wrote:

Excellence in statistical graphics consists of complex ideas communicated with clarity, precision, and efficiency. Graphical displays should

* show the data

* induce the viewer to think about the substance rather than about methodology, graphic design, the technology of graphic production, or something else

* avoid distorting what the data have to say

* present many numbers in a small space

* make large data sets coherent

* encourage the eye to compare different pieces of data

* reveal the data at several levels of detail, from a broad overview to the fine structure

* serve a reasonably clear purpose: description, exploration, tabulation or decoration

* be closely integrated with the statistical and verbal descriptions of a data set.

We ask how well these requirements can be fulfilled by a good sonification application. Our initial approach investigates approaches to mathematical representations of mathematical functions and data from basketball games.