A general method for visualizing abstract structures

The author presents the rectangular structure chart (RSC) as an abstract diagraming method for drawing hierarchical structures, graphically revealing the composite types or constructors as well as the assembly. Using a simple and flexible visual algebra, the method supports spatial mapping of temporal relationships. These charts are compact, nestable, space-filling mosaics which are strictly rectangular, with no curves, slants, line crossings or tees. The figures are easily drawn using only two pen widths, but they can also be constructed from commonly available character sets