Transparent Line Integral Convolution: A new approach for visualizing vector fields in OpenDX
Alexander Petrov Petkov · The Mathematics Enthusiast · 2005
Traditional techniques for visualizing vector fields consist of using glyphs, stream lines, or streaklines.The Line Integral Convolution m ethod (LIC) is examined as an alternative approach for vector field visualization.This m ethod is based on integrat ing a texture along com puted flow lines, and creates a continuous texture representa tion of the vector field.LIC eliminates some visualization difficulties, such as vector glyphs using too much of the display and obscuring other elements of interest, and has proven useful for representing large vector fields.This thesis is focused on developing a LIC module for the OpenDX (http://w w w .opendx.org) environment.The original algorithm is extended through the use of transparency and animation.The module can create texturized vector field flow, which can be studied simultaneously with other d ata elements, produced by the visualization environment.LIC is dem onstrated here to provide a superior visualization alternative for both "real world" and idealized d a ta sets.The result of this thesis will benefit researchers from various disciplines, who will be able to use the LIC module within OpenDX for the visualization of large vector fields as continuous texture maps.Possible ap plications include the modeling of weather systems, com putational fluid dynamics, electrom agnetic fields, and ice sheets on Mars.T he LIC module for OpenDX will be released to the open source community.