Three-dimensional visualization of geophysical datasets
, by Rick Ottolini
Recent advances in three-dimensional graphics systems challenge geophysicists how to best
display their data. Scientific visualization uses computer graphics to maximize insight
into scientific data, both grandeur and blemishes together.
Shape, color, and motion are the visualizer's building blocks. Not all graphics primitives
are equally effective-surfaces, solids, and point clouds survive perspective transformations
better than lines and polygons. Care must be taken to reduce object and color clutter.
Effective labeling prevents orientation confusion.
Many geophysical datasets are characterized by continuous sampling along a warped surface
such as a tube or sphere. The utility SEPsurf displays such "sepcube"-format datasets. Other
geophysical datasets are characterized by objects oriented in a three-dimensional volume
and are displayed by SEPdraw.
STANFORD