Interactive Real-Time Visualization for Large-Scale Spatial Datasets Based on OptIputer

Interactive real-time visualization of large-scale spatial datasets is becoming increasingly important in Earth Sciences. These scientific data is massive, comprising sets of objects as large as several gigabytes and collections larger than hundreds of terabytes. Interactive environment is feasible with advanced optical networks and resource sharing in the form of Grids. But present network can not satisfy the need of on-demand discovery, selection and configuration of supporting end and network resources. Also, interactive cooperation needs the construction of applications on heterogeneous, distributed environments and use of novel exotic transport protocols. To resolve these challenges, we describe a multi-layered OptIputer middleware technology, including Distributed Virtual Computer (DVC) and applications running over the Scalable Adaptive Graphics Environment (SAGE). In this paper, we attempt to define an integrated prototype system based on OptIputer components which successfully supports real-time interactive visualizations of 3D multi-gigabyte spatial datasets to various users and allow scientists to effectively use the high resolution visualization displaying results to better communicate their thesis.