IRIS Explorer: A Framework for Investigation D a v i d Foulser Silicon Graphics Computer Systems Abstract Modular environments for scientific visualization are popular for their non-programming approach to 3D graphics. Their design goals include ease of use, completeness, and extensibility, which allow many users to work complerely within the system. Programming extensions draw other users into increasingly complex uses of the environment. With sufficient extensibility, the environment becomes a framework for the process of pursuing a scientific investigation. Introduction The utility of 3D computer graphics in exploring scientific and engineering data has prompted the crearion of powerful software environments for scientific visualization. Such a modular visualization environment (MVE) is a graphical framework for investigating scientific data_ The MVE supports creation, analysis, and display of data via a graphical user interface. It may also aid in measurement of the resulting graphics and refinement of the computational process. A MVE succeeds as a research tool by providing a suite of 3D graphics, programming, and analysis capabilities co an audience only sparsely populated by 3D graphics programmers. Its benefm lie in these areas: ¢ Enabling a type of investigation without requiring mastery of the complex and minute detail of its
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