Methods, apparatus and systems for data visualisation and related applications

In a graphical analysis computing system, a method of arranging a data set for graphical analysis, the method comprising the steps of:

• retrieving data elements from a data store that forms part of or which is in communication with the graphical analysis computing system;
• carrying out a preliminary analysis of the retrieved data;
• selecting an initial visual document framework, based on the preliminary analysis;
• mapping the data onto the visual document framework;
• determining visual attributes of the data when mapped onto the visual document framework by carrying out an analysis of the data when mapped onto the visual document framework for a particular pattern or patterns, which are indicators of quality, wherein the indicators of quality are selected from one or more of the group consisting of areas of high density, areas of low density, clumping, and contrast;
• adjusting the visual document framework based on the analysis of the data to emphasize desired visual attributes by adjusting the visual document framework until there is no improvement in the desired visual attributes, using multiple iterations, wherein a primary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical level of change to the primary iteration are carried out, and further including the step of assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades and further including the step of stepping the result back if the result has degraded;
• and
• rendering a visual document from the adjusted visual document framework on an output display.