A treemap is a human-made data visualization technique that represents hierarchical (tree-structured) data as a set of nested rectangles. Each branch of the tree receives a rectangle, which is then partitioned recursively into smaller rectangles representing sub-branches. The area of each rectangle is proportional to a quantitative variable of the node it represents. The visualization persists as rendered graphics in documents, dashboards, and screen displays. [formal: tabula picta | substrate: mind | horizon: a moment | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.22]
Accepted ontology entry
treemap
A treemap is a human-made data visualization technique that represents hierarchical (tree-structured) data as a set of nested rectangles. Each branch of the tree receives a rectangle, which is then partitioned recursively into smaller rect…
Definition
Why it is in scope
A human-made data visualization technique that displays hierarchical data using nested rectangles, where each branch of the tree is given a rectangle and its area is proportional to a quantitative variable. Built to represent part-whole relationships in hierarchical structures at a glance.
Names and aliases
- treemapen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrwuadcq01dksoacknd5l8nlSERVES →
A treemap is a visualization technique designed for the sake of data visualization: it displays hierarchical data as nested rectangles sized by quantitative values. Per Law 8d: its designed purpose is to further data visualization's operation.
- cmrvfy7ya011u2ceilq543hu4INSTANCE_OF →
A treemap IS a specific kind of plot: it visualizes hierarchical data using nested rectangles sized proportionally to values. Competent speakers would call a treemap a type of plot.
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Record identity
- Created
- Jul 23, 2026, 4:40 AM UTC
- Content hash
- ba9d20231543490332c68a727f55645f74dca1f2583ac3d5528f0f98ab7be539