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ClimView allows climatologists to view some of their data in 3D as opposed to conventional 2D
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The Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) is making good progress in its quest to deliver visualisation platforms for scientists. The CHPC is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and managed by the Meraka Institute of the CSIR.
Scientific visualisation is a multidisciplinary branch of science. It involves research in computer graphics, image processing, high performance computing and virtual environments. It concerns itself with the interactive display and analysis of data; input data are converted by means of computer graphics to create visual images to aid understanding of complex, often massive numerical representations of scientific concepts or results.
Sebastian Wyngaard, a research scientist at the CHPC, has been tasked with the setting up of this facility. He explains the value of visualisation as a scientific tool, "This facility can be used by researchers to extract meaningful information from data to aid in the understanding of certain properties. Visualisation makes these properties visible from large datasets, such as those used in climatology and astrophysics." He continues, "We have worked with the Climate Systems Analysis Group (CSAG) at the University of Cape Town in developing an application called ClimView used to view some of their data in 3D as opposed to conventional 2D. The purpose of ClimView, which is still under development, was to make detailed analysis of data more effective through an intuitive interface. We are hoping to continue with such collaborations in the future."
Wyngaard is working on a stereoscopic projection system to allow for viewing of computer graphics in full 3D. A pair of DLP (digital light processing) projectors fitted with linear polarising filters simultaneously project onto the specially coated projection screen in order to create a 3D image. The participating scientist is equipped with linear polarised 3D glasses to view the resultant image in three dimensions.
This facility is available and ready to be used by stereo-enabled applications. He notes, "In fact, ClimView is also stereo-enabled and data can be visualised in 3D using our stereoscopic projection system."
In addition to the hardware, the CHPC will provide a visualisation software development platform for collaborative work on interactive 3D data viewing possibilities.
Through his own novel research project, Wyngaard will add to the body of scientific visualisation knowledge through his work on realistic and dynamically solved hair simulation for the animation industry. It will allow artists working for South African animation companies to incorporate physically-realistic hair into their creations with greater ease.
The Interactive Visualisation Technologies Laboratory (IVTL) is one of several CHPC laboratories, which are currently being put in place to promote research and innovation in collaboration with relevant research communities. The IVTL aims to establish and maintain a complex research, development and testing platform for scientific visualisation, virtual reality and digital multimedia. In addition, it will provide consultation on digital multimedia. Participation in collaborative projects on scientific visualisation and virtual reality applications is a priority, which is complemented by support for educational initiatives.
Progress in this regard has been the establishment of a national special interest group for visualisation under the auspices of the CHPC as well as collaborative research projects with the Taiwanese National Center for High-Performance Computing. Wyngaard outlines milestones to date, "Last year, IVTL focused on identifying key areas required for establishing a proficient visualisation team at the CHPC. We participated in projects that allowed us sufficient freedom to explore, develop and establish efficient work processes.
"This year we hope to establish an efficient development environment by creating customised software tools suited to meet the diverse needs of the CHPC community. We also hope to adapt existing work processes in order to participate in more niche projects with local institutions."
Enquiries: CSIR Communication
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