Controlled interaction with heterogeneous data

A computer storage device storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a computing system, implement a method for providing an extensible canvas for use in interfacing with heterogenic objects, the method comprising:

• an act of providing a canvas onto which may be positioned a plurality of heterogenic objects, wherein the canvas has at least two dimensions and is extensible in at least one of the dimensions, such that if an object is to be placed in a direction in the extensible dimension beyond a boundary of the canvas, the boundary is extended in the direction such that the canvas includes the object;
• an act of displaying a miniaturized version of the canvas along with a miniaturized representation of at least one of the heterogeneous objects that are contained within at least a portion of the canvas;
• and
• an act of providing a control which, when activated, causes scrolling of the miniaturized version in a first direction.

A computer-implemented method for providing an extensible canvas for use in interfacing with heterogenic objects, the method comprising:

• an act of providing a canvas onto which may be positioned a plurality of heterogenic objects, wherein the canvas has at least two dimensions and is extensible in at least one of the dimensions, such that if an object is to be placed in a direction in the extensible dimension beyond a boundary of the canvas, the boundary is extended in the direction such that the canvas includes the object;
• an act of displaying a miniaturized version of the canvas along with a miniaturized representation of at least one of the heterogeneous objects that are contained within at least a portion of the canvas;
• and
• an act of providing a control which, when activated, causes scrolling of the miniaturized version in a first direction.