In response to Patane's query: In developing auto-clustering algorithms
I found it was difficult to compare my results with previous results
because
the labeling was always different, even when there was general agreement
in the way clustering proceeded.

I have found that most effective test in the early development of these
algorithms is to construct 2-dimensional test patterns with various
cluster shapes and degrees of overlapping. Then you can easily validate
the algorithm with a 2-D plotting program. Once you have verified the
functionality this way you can go on to higher dimensions.

John Day
PhD Candidate
Florida Tech