Virtual Reality and Abstract Data: Virtualizing Information by Michael B. Spring and Michael C. Jennings Department of Information Science University of Pittsburgh Abstract Virtual reality interfaces may be used to display and analyze abstract data. This paper addresses some of the principles that may be employed in creating a map- ping between abstract data and dimensions of a virtual reality. I. Introduction The term virtual reality subsumes many different kinds of activities. Spring(1990) provides a taxonomy that classifies various efforts along three dimensions: interaction mode, reality base, and locus of control. The interaction mode continuum ranges from symbolic or artificial interactions to natural interactions. The reality base spans a gamut from real to constructed realities. The locus of con- trol dimension goes from total user control to shared control with any particular user exerting a small amount of control over the behavior of the system. This paper discusses the design of virtual realities based upon a constructed reality base derived from some abstract data set. The interaction mode used is of little relevance, and the user is en- visioned as the primary locus of control. The ideas presented are rooted in work on scientific visualiza- tion, algorithm visualization, hypertext and hyper- media browsers, etc. Spring(1992) suggests research on virtual reality tends to focus either on the construction of the vir- tual reality environments or the interface to them. The goal of virtual reality interface research is to allow users to more fully experience the environ- ment being simulated through some combination of immersion technologies such as stereo visual and auditory stimulation; head, hand and body tracking; voice recognition and speech understanding; and force feedback, olfactory and gustatory stimulation. The goal of research on virtual reality environments is to construct spaces and agents can be meaningful- ly experienced via virtual reality interface technol- ogy. This paper addresses the construction of a vir- tual reality space based upon abstract data sets. More specifically, the paper is concerned with creat- ing environments, and ultimately agents to inhabit