1. A method for generating a graphical representation of a query optimization process, the method comprising: parsing a search space log, the log comprising: an order in which one or more evaluated access plans were evaluated, a property for an object of one of the one or more evaluated access plans, and a best access plan selected from the one or more evaluated access plans; presenting the one or more evaluated access plans on an axis of a timeline, the timeline corresponding to the order; identifying the best access plan on the timeline; and outputting a graphical representation of the timeline.