Interactive Visual Analysis of Families of Surfaces: An Application to Car Race and Car Setup

Abstract

Modern simulations often produce time series, or even functions of two variables as outputs for single attributes. Such complex data require carefully chosen and designed analysis procedures and the corresponding data model. The use of previously developed curve and surface views provides strong support for visual exploration and analysis of complex data. In this paper we describe how interactive visual analysis can support users in getting insight into complex data. The case study, based on TORCS 3D racing cars simulator, illustrates our approach and its successful application to a real world problem. The analysis of the car parameters and driving performances during races provides an insight and explanation for race results. That insight is then used to fine-tune car parameters to achieve better driving performance.