A framework for using coordinated displays for the analysis of multidimensional, spatial, and temporal data

In geographic hypermedia, maps and other information displays are jointly used for the purpose of communicating information. We consider another role of maps: maps as instruments for data exploration and analysis. In this function, maps are also used in combination with other information displays. In order to establish links between multiple displays, various mechanisms have been developed. Some of these mechanisms might be useful in geographic hypermedia in addition to classical hyperlinks. We propose a taxonomy of generic mechanisms for linking complementary information displays and, in broader terms, complementary tools for data exploration and analysis involving maps and graphics as well as querying, data transformation, and computation-based analysis techniques. We give an example of exploration of geographically referenced data in which different mechanisms are used in cooperation.