RGB plots as a tool for the simultaneous visualization of multiple data layers in a two dimensional space

PLoS One. 2014 Jul 16;9(7):e102903. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102903. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Visualization of multidimensional data helps in understanding complex systems and environments. We present here a red, green, blue (RGB) visualization method that can serve to display environmental properties. The saturation of each color is used to represent the concentration of a given property. The implementation of that figure is illustrated through visualization of three dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations along a vertical transect of the Mediterranean, as well as through a vertical time series of three phytoplankton group cell numbers. The RGB figures show well known properties of the water column. In addition, they reveal some lesser-known properties, such as regions in shallow water in which the ratio of phosphorus and silica to nitrogen is high, and a deep eukariotic phytoplankton community. Visualization of such data is usually performed with three separate contour or surface plots, and occasionally two properties are presented as an overlay in a single figure. The RGB figure offers a better way to visualize the interactions among the three separate plots than is commonly available.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Color*
  • Data Display*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Mediterranean Region
  • Nitrogen / analysis
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Phytoplankton / physiology*
  • Population Dynamics
  • Silicon Dioxide / analysis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Phosphorus
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Nitrogen

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the European Commission through the Sixth Framework Program European Coastal Sea Operational Observing and Forecasting System (ECOOP) Contract Number 36355. The sampling cruises were supported by Andreas Weill and Eco-Ocean Association of Herzlyia, Israel. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.