A visualization-based analysis method for multiparameter models of capillary tissue-exchange.

In order to successfully use a model for parameter identification, it must be carefully analyzed. Current analysis methods, however, are ad hoc and provide only partial information. We extended these methods through the application of stacked dimensions, a scientific visualization method. The end result of our extensions are multi-dimensional parametric model-images. These images depict a model as a function of all its parameters in a single graphic. We applied parametric model-images to model verification (behavioral analysis), sensitivity analysis, and identifiability analysis. We applied our methodology to the evaluation of pulmonary vascular capillary-transport models. Results have shown that the visualization-based method provides a more complete view of a model's behavior and its other characteristics. Furthermore, our method has also proven to be more computationally efficient than the traditional approaches.