A novel
graphical user interface (GUI) using
metadata, generates three-dimensional scatter plots (100, 200, 300, 400) for the efficient and aesthetic navigation and retrieval of pictures in a picture
database. The first and second dimensions (102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404) represent abscissas and ordinates corresponding to two picture characteristics chosen by the user. Distinguishing characteristics of icons (108-126, 208-230, 308-326, 408-430) in the
scatter plot (100, 200, 300, 400), which icons represent groups of pictures, indicate the third dimension, also chosen by the user. In the preferred embodiment, the third dimension is indicated by the color of the icon (108-126, 208-230, 308-326, 408-430). Along with many other possibilities, the three dimensions of a
scatter plot (100, 200, 300, 400) can represent combinations of “Who,”“What,”“When,”“Where,” and “Why” picture characteristic information contained in the picture
metadata. Activating an icon (108-126, 208-230, 308-326, 408-430) produces a
thumbnail of the pictures in the group represented by the particular icon (108-126, 208-230, 308-326, 408-430). Updating one display dimension dynamically updates the other display dimensions.