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Parallel Performance Visualization: From Practice to Theory

Published: 01 December 1995 Publication History

Abstract

Parallel performance visualization presents fundamental challenges--complex data sets, the artificial aspects of parallel computation, the need for integrated analysis and visual models, and the dependence on the user's mental perspective. Despite these challenges, important concepts for visualization design and use have begun to emerge.A history of the practice of implementing and using visualization in performance analysis tools reveals an underlying theory in the form of an abstract model of performance visualization and applied visualization concepts. The model is based on the integration of performance evaluation models and performance displays. The concepts involve aspects of context, scaling, user perception and interaction, comparison, and extraction of information.Several performance scenarios demonstrate how to apply the model and concepts and principles in real tools to overcome the problems of understanding performance. These scenarios measure utilization and communication, utilization statistics, data access, and parallel performance optimization. The model and concepts form a solid basis for future research in parallel performance visualization.

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  1. Parallel Performance Visualization: From Practice to Theory

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    Published In

    cover image IEEE Parallel & Distributed Technology: Systems & Technology
    IEEE Parallel & Distributed Technology: Systems & Technology  Volume 3, Issue 4
    December 1995
    101 pages

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    IEEE Computer Society Press

    Washington, DC, United States

    Publication History

    Published: 01 December 1995

    Author Tags

    1. parallel computing
    2. performance analysis
    3. performance debugging
    4. performance evaluation
    5. performance visualization
    6. scientific visualization

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    • (2014)Linking performance data into scientific visualization toolsProceedings of the First Workshop on Visual Performance Analysis10.1109/VPA.2014.9(50-57)Online publication date: 16-Nov-2014
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    • (2002)Dynamic statistical profiling of communication activity in distributed applicationsACM SIGMETRICS Performance Evaluation Review10.1145/511399.51136430:1(240-250)Online publication date: 1-Jun-2002
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