Systems and methods of searching for related data sets are provided. Multivariate data sets can be input as queries into a data set search engine. According to one embodiment, the input data set is automatically reduced to a set of best fit data models of minimum complexity that represent the data set. The data model is then compared to other data models to not only identify similarity between the models, but also to identify the particulars of why the data models are related. The search engine can be configured to return sets of data models as results from the search on the input data set. Results can be organized on data model type and/or information scores. Results can also be displayed graphically as a topographical map of nodes and edge. Each node can represent a data model and each edge can reflect the similarity between the nodes.