Kreylos, O,  Billen, M I, Kellogg, L H, Hamann, B, 
Sumner, D Y, Staadt, O and Jadamec, M (2006),

Environment-independent 3D Visualization Software for Geo-science Applications,
Eos Trans. AGU, 87(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract IN31A-1310

It has long been known that graphical representations of data in 2D provides 
efficient and insightful ways of interpreting quantitative information, but 
similar analysis of higher dimensional data sets has lagged behind 2D graphics.
Many scientists view 3D visualizations as something one makes once the data has
already been understood, rather than a tool for exploring and analyzing data in
which the features of interest are yet to be discovered. One reason for this 
view may be that the design of 3D volume visualization software has focused on
providing an environment for users to create a final image, rather than 
providing the interactive environment and real-time rendering required to 
visually analyze large 3D volume data sets. We present a user study of 3D 
volume visualization software, Visualizer, which has been specifically 
designed to create a flexible, intuitive environment for interactive, 
scientific analysis of 3D volume data sets. Visualizer runs in a range of 3D
VR environments (e.g., GeoWall, ImmersaDesk, CAVE), but also provides a similar 
level of real-time interactivity on a desktop computer. To assess how specific 
tools aid researchers in navigating through and identifying features in 3D data 
using a 2D viewing environment, in the first part of the study we compared 
Visualizer on a desktop computer to a commercial visualization package, TecPlot 
(http://www.tecplot.com). In the second part of the study, Visualizer was also
used in a 4-sided immersive visualization CAVE environment. Geoscientists 
ranging from undergraduates to university faculty were asked to identify 
features in a 3D model of a subducting slab. Visualizer used in the CAVE proved
easiest to use overall and made data exploration (navigating, identifying and 
locating features) the easiest. Visualizer used on the desktop also made data 
exploration easier than TecPlot, but users found it more difficult to learn. 
Comments from participants provided insightful feedback on how to improve 
Visualizer for the desktop and supports the conclusion that Visualizer is 
intuitive, easy-to-use and allows geoscientists to efficiently and effectively 
analyze 3D volume data sets.