A visualization system for heterogeneous data sets comprises: a unique visualization interface created by a visualization engine. The visualization interface comprises a window or canvas having a first area defining a center of attention, second area defining a parameter space and a plurality of correlation elements. The first area is a two-dimensional space for the display of items of interest. The second area provides a space in which parameters associated with the items of interest can be displayed. The correlation elements indicate relationships and their strength between items of interest and parameters in the second area. The visualization engine creates the unique visualization interface and is coupled to a data source, such as a database. The visualization engine preferably comprises an input module, a control module, a retrieving module, a rendering module, and an analysis module. These components are coupled together to receive input from the user, present the unique visualization interface to the user, and retrieve data from the data source. The present invention also includes a number of novel methods including: a method for creating visualization interface, a method for updating the visualization interface, and a method for modifying the visualization interface responsive to an alert.