Visualization of natural phenomena / Robert S. Wolff ; Larry Yaeger

Visualization of Natural Phenomena is an integrated book/CD-ROM package which allows users to interactively explore the techniques used in scientific visualization. It is designed for a broad range of computer professionals, scientists, researchers, teachers, students, and other interested readers. Employing the image as the fundamental concept, the book covers a wide range of subjects under the broad heading of scientific visualization, including: image display and processing; image animation; video; visualization of multiparameter data; terrain rendering; 3-D solid modeling, rendering and animation; and visualization in film and TV. Practical hints on the use of commercial and public domain software in producing scientific visualization are also provided, as are discussions of the computation and production of the images used in the text. This book contains over 300 full-color images and black and white illustrations. Technical Notes contain additional technical and algorithmic discussions of the material. There is also a Special Appendix describing in detail how the book and CD-ROM were produced, and a Glossary of terms is provided in the book and on the disc. The CD-ROM contains more than 100 QuickTime animations covering a wide range of visualization applications, along with explanations of the various phenomena depicted. The CD also contains public domain images, as well as Mathematica, NCSA, Spyglass, and the other third-party software to supply users with a broad range of visualization examples. The CD-ROM is intended for use on Apple Macintosh equipment, and is integrated with the book through the use of an icon library for easy cross-referencing. VNP is structured so users do not have to access the CD-ROM in order to take advantage of the book's content. However, it is highly recommended that users to refer to the book and disc in tandem when working through the materials in order to fully benefit from the interactive learning experience this package