language: en

A Data-Flow Graphical User Interface for Querying a Scientific Database

Bosco S. Tjan, Leonard Breslow, Sait Dogru, Vijay Rajan, Keith Rieck, James R. Slagle, and Marius O. Poliac
Computer Science Department University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis MN 55455

Abstract We describe the design principles and functionality of a visual query language called SeeQL that represents data retrieval and analysis operations as a data-flow graph. A query is viewed as a sequence of relational algebra and other data transformation operations applied to database tables. The language is well-suited for large-scale scientific database applications, where data analysis is a major component and the typical queries or data retrieval patterns are unrestricted. The language provides a flexible yet easy-to-use environment for database access and data analysis for non-programmer research scientists. We have implemented this language in a system being used in a long-term data-intensive highway pavement research project (MnRoad) conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

1 Introduction