Metaphors are present in our thoughts and make invisible concepts perceivable. The metaphorical way of perceptual imaging is discussed in this chapter, particularly the use of art and graphic metaphors for concept visualization. We may describe with metaphors the structure and the relations among several kinds of data. Metaphors may represent mathematical equations or geometrical curves and thus make abstract ideas visible. Most metaphors originate from biology-inspired thinking. Nature-derived metaphors support data visualization, information and knowledge visualization, data mining, Semantic Web, swarm computing, cloud computing, and serve as the enrichment of interdisciplinary models. This chapter examines examples of combining metaphorical visualization with artistic principles, and then describes the metaphorical way of learning and teaching with art and graphic metaphors aimed at improving one’s power of conveying meaning, integrating art and science, and visualizing knowledge.
Semantic web data visualization with graph style sheets