1. A method for deterministic wavelet thresholding for optimizing general-error metrics, comprising using a processor to perform the steps of: building a deterministic wavelet synopsis that minimizes maximum error in a data-value approximation; and providing a minimum maximum error for all data values in an error subtree of an error tree associated with the deterministic wavelet synopsis, wherein a minimum maximum error value for the error subtree is conditioned on a root node of the error subtree, an amount of storage allotted for the deterministic wavelet synopsis, and an error that enters the error subtree through coefficient selections made on a path from a root node of the error tree toward the root node of the error subtree.