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Home > SCI Research: map3d
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map3d
map3d is an interactive graphics program specifically created to visualize time dependent data sampled over one or more surfaces. Most visualization tools have either a time-based or a space-based perspective on the data; map3d supports both in a very flexible manner. The underlying structure of the spatial view is a geometric model of triangles. Mapped to the nodes of this model are time signals, which map3d displays on the geometry as color coded renderings. The user can select any number of time signals and view each in its own window.
Interaction in map3d is based on both a spatial and a temporal dynamic. The user can rotate, shift, and scale (zoom) the spatial view of the geometry and data. To control time, the user can move stepwise forward and backward but also scan rapidly over time with the click and drag of the mouse. The display can consist of multiple surfaces either sharing a common window or distributed over multiple windows; all spatial and temporal actions are normally locked across surfaces and time signals, respectively. Unlocking this feature also permits alignment in time of different data sets or multiple simultaneous views of the same spatial structure.
The primary goal of map3d is to provide the scientist or engineering with rapid visual access to large volumes of spatially distributed time signal data, either from measurements or simulation studies. In this context, there is special emphasis on quantitative feedback so that the user can, for example, determine the absolute value of a point in space or a measurement in time. A range of scaling options also support a precise documentation of data values so that captured and archived images retain their full information content even when viewed out of immediate context.
map3d is available in executable form for SGI/Irix, Intel/Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows from the SCI Software Archive.
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