The Desktop
WorkMaps
DataSheets

SpreadPlots
Analyses
Help

LectureNotes
Scripts
Web Applets

Open Software
Languages
Tools

Overview of ViSta

ViSta, the Visual Statistics System,
features statistical visualizations that are
highly dynamic and very interactive.
  • Dynamic, High-Interaction, Multi-View Graphics: ViSta constructs very-high-interaction, dynamic graphics that show you multiple views of your data simultaneously. The graphics are designed to augment your visual intuition so that you can better understand your data.
  • See What Your Data Have To Say: ViSta's visually intuitive and computationally intensive approach to statistical data analysis is designed to clarify the meaning of data so that you can see what your data have to say.
  • Languages: ViSta is available in English, Français, and Español.
     
  • Look and Feel: ViSta has a Structured Graphical Interface that includes
    1. WorkMaps that visually summarize your data analysis session
    2. SpreadPlots - a spreadsheet-like arrangement of linked, dynamic, interactive plots that show you what your data or analysis seems to say
    3. GuideMaps that guide your analysis
    4. DataSheets for inputing and editing your data
    5. Visual GuideMap Authoring for teachers who wish to create guidemaps
    6. Reports present data statistics and analysis results in the classical way
    7. Context-Sensitive Help and Web-based Help and Notes 
       
  • Statistical Capabilities: ViSta performs Univariate and Multivariate Statistical Visualization and Data Analysis.
     
  • Applets, Plugins, Scripts and DataPrograms:
    1. Applets: Teachers can develop ViSta Web Applets for demonstrations, examples, test problems, etc. Students can download and run these on their own machines (example of class notes using an applet).
    2. Scripts: Teachers can write ViSta scripts using the same techniques as for Applets, but keep them privately on their machines. A grading script is an example.
    3. DataPrograms: Teachers and students can write dataprograms to manipulate their data.
    4. Plugins: Programmers can develop plugins to add entirely new data analysis and visualization capabilities.
       
  • Developer's Tools: ViSta provides access to the underlying development languages, including:
    1. ViDAL, ViSta's Data Analysis Language for writing applets, scripts and data programs; and
    2. XLispStat, an object-oriented programming language which can be used to write ViSta plugins for statistical computing and dynamic graphics.
    3. XLisp, a free and open Lisp system satisfying most of the Common Lisp standards.
    4. C++ and FORTRAN may be used for developing specialized new features.

    In addition, ViSta has developers tools including a byte-code compiler, a stepper, tracing and back tracing, object and bitmap editors, distribution maker, etc...