Automated Data Preprocessing & Distillation (308)

Visual Analogy

• Consider the output from a color digital camera
• Each image pixel contains color spectral information (representing an individual data set)
• But if we look at the color data for individual pixels, we can not see the big picture
• In order for use to see and understand the image, we need the pixels to be properly colored, assembled and presented to us in the proper spatial format
• A million individual pixels, which are individually not understandable, may be the beautiful image the Grand Canyon painting when properly assembled for viewing
• Similarly, preprocessing of individual instrument data sets followed by integration into a composite “image” allows the trained researcher to identify key information from the properly formatted, integrated data presentation