Viewing of Data

Different datasets can require different views to display their data. For example, a graph is more suitable for displaying one-dimensional datasets or two-dimensional datasets where one of the dimensions has a small extent; however, a surface view is better for displaying a two-dimensional dataset.

When the Visualizer is launched, one of the following actions will occur:

• If the dataset has never been visualized, the Visualizer chooses a method, based on how well a given dataset matches an ideal dataset for each method.
   
• If a dataset was previously visualized but no Data Window currently exists for it, the Visualizer creates a new Data Window by using the most recent visualization method.
   
• If a Data Window is currently displaying the dataset, the Visualizer raises it to the top of the desktop. If the window was minimized, the Visualizer restores it.

The Visualizer can automatically choose a visualization method and create a new Data Window when it reads a new dataset. You can enable and disable this feature from the Options menu in the Directory Window.