High interaction graphics

Examining data using graphical tools, such as histograms, quantile plots, scatterplots and the like, is a necessary part of any serious analysis effort. With the advent of inexpensive graphics-capable desktop computing, such tools are generally available. But the use of computers allows more than simply reproducing static plots on a display; it allows users to interact with plots, changing parameters, querying, zooming and linking plots together so that interesting features of one plot can be seen in the light of the others. In this paper we discuss the core features of interactive graphics, investigate how familiar plots can be made interactive and show examples of interactive graphics for general and specific data analysis.