There is described a method for manipulation, storage, modeling, visualization,
and quantification of datasets, which correspond to target strings. A number of
target strings are provided. An iterative algorithm is used to generate comparison
strings corresponding to some set of points that can serve as the domain of an
iterative function. Preferably these points are located in the complex plane, such
as in and/or near the Mandelbrot Set or a Julia Set. These comparison strings are
also datasets. The comparison string is scored by evaluating a function having
the comparison string and one of the plurality of target strings as inputs. The
score measures a relationship between a comparison string and a target string.
The evaluation may be repeated for a number of the other target strings. The score
or some other property corresponding to the comparison string is used to determine
the target string's placement on a map. The target string may also be marked by
a point on a visual display. The coordinates of the point corresponding to the
target string or properties of the comparison string may be stored in memory, a
database or a table. Mapped or marked points in a region of interest can be explored
by examining a subregion with higher resolution. The points are analyzed and/or
compared by examining, either visually or mathematically, their relative locations,
their absolute locations within the region, and/or metrics other than location.
