3D treemaps extend ordinary treemaps into three-dimensional space. Rectangular areas represent hierarchical categories, while height encodes an additional quantitative variable. This extrusion-based form can show area and height together.

Historical Background

Treemaps were introduced by Ben Shneiderman in 1990 for visualizing file system disk usage. Later research explored 3D extensions as computer graphics tools improved.

Design Notes

• Use 3D only when height adds meaningful information.
• Watch for occlusion and perspective distortion.
• Provide interaction or alternative 2D views.
• Avoid using height and color redundantly without explanation.

Summary

3D treemaps can add another variable to hierarchical area charts, but they are harder to read precisely than 2D treemaps. They require careful camera and interaction design.