Scientific data visualization: a formal introduction to the rendering and geometric modeling aspects

Several fundamental differences can be pointed out between CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/manufacturing) and scientific data visualization applications. As a result, a novel class of rendering and geometric modeling algorithms especially for scientific data visualization is evolving. Depending on the characteristics of the data available, several complexity levels can be distinguished, resulting in a hierarchy of visualization problems. This hierarchical relationship is emphasized to obtain a theoretical and application independent framework for classification of visualization algorithms. An overview of the rendering and geometric modeling algorithms for scientific data visualization is given according to this framework