We decided to investigate its use for topic maps visualization. Our tool speeds access to relevant information and helps users find their way within the hierarchy. An overview of the structure for a global understanding of the structure and of the relationships within the hierarchy, The ability to zoom and to select some nodes, Dynamic requests in order to filter data in real time. 3D allows a more efficient use of screen space. In particular, links between nodes do not intersect.
Nodes are spheres, cones or cylinders whose color changes according to their level in the hierarchy.
Users can delete irrelevant branches of the tree and expand interesting ones. They can also select specific elements and display them in separate 3D windows called detailed views. Therefore, the initial hierarchy must be pruned with filtering and aggregating techniques. This tool was used to supervize telecommunication network equipment. Two filters were added to answer network managers' needs.