Visualizing advanced data modelling constructs

Semantic data modelling constructs, such as relationships, composite objects and versions, are used to represent knowledge explicitly in object-oriented databases. Such constructs increase the ability of the database to capture not only the structural aspects of data, as in traditional databases, but also the meaning of data. The modelling process can be further enhanced by supporting expressive visual representations of the constructs in a direct-manipulation interface. This paper focuses upon the development of effective visualizations for such constructs by presenting a range of sample visualizations, outlining how they can be prototyped rapidly in an integrated interface development environment, and describing how evaluation techniques can be used to assess alternative proposals.