Where are we with Haptic Visualization?

There is a growing interest into non-visual forms of data communication, not only driven by the need for accessible representations but also because researchers are realizing the potential of understanding information better or differently through other modalities. Thus, haptic visualization is an immature but exciting area; it represents the abstract realization of information through the use of tactile or force-feedback devices. Through such a realization the user can gain quantitative, qualitative or nominal understanding of some underlying data. This paper presents the growth and development of haptic visualization, shows current trends, and acts as a snapshot of history. In fact, we remember the past based on temporal landmarks: we remember what we were doing when we heard the news of 9/11. Thus it is interesting and useful to look at the subject in the context of key events and seminal work. Moreover, it helps us to not re-invent the wheel: something that is far too common with interdisciplinary work. Thus, we take a holistic approach to the literature and place the research in context of important historic events and seminal work, which shows the reader where we have been, and points towards the future.