The term data visualization is another phrase to describe visualization. Another recently emerging term is information visualization . We use the term scientific visualization to denominate the discipline of computer science as explained. The term data visualization is used to denote the activity of obtaining a visual representation of data. This is in contrast to visual arts where the emphasis is on visualization of spiritual matters.
Information visualization is considered as a domain of scientific visualization.
Information is given in a symbolic form, e.g. as a mathematical formula, or as a data set. Data sets are built of basic items like numbers or character strings. Usually data sets are structured, i.e. the items are ordered somehow, or there are relations between items. Most data sets we are concerned with are of mathematical nature. Though application specific aspects are important, the central goal of scientific visualization is to develop visual representations of mathematical objects.