A latent manifold is a low-dimensional, highly structured subspace within a high-dimensional data space. Natural data such as handwritten digits, faces, voices, and language may lie on such manifolds, allowing continuous paths between related examples. section 5.1.2
Interpolation on a latent manifold supports local generalization: unseen points can be understood by relating them to nearby observed points. This differs from averaging inputs directly, which can produce invalid data such as an unintelligible average of two digits. section 5.1.2
Morphing handwritten digits
A sequence of MNIST digits gradually morphs from one example into another, illustrating continuous movement through the manifold of valid handwritten digits.
