We introduce approximate query techniques for searching and analyzing two-dimensional data sets such as line or scatter plots. Our techniques allow users to explore a dataset by defining QueryLines: soft constraints and preferences for selecting and sorting a subset of the data. By using both preferences and soft constraints for query composition, we allow greater flexibility and expressiveness than previous visual query systems. When the user over-constrains a query, for example, a system using approximate techniques can display "near misses" to enable users to quickly and continuously refine queries.
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