Colour graphics and three-dimensional scene synthesis in image display

Abstract Recent advances in computer graphics have allowed the synthesis of realistic scenes consisting of surfaces and their coverings. This can be exploited in image displays, which provide a powerful way of gaining an appreciation of the spatial nature of scientific data. If data variables are represented by the naturally observed properties of realistic scenes, a better appreciation of the data can be attained. This paper shows how sophisticated colour graphics techniques can be incorporated within an image display system to produce realistic three-dimensional scenes. Examples of coloured surfaces representing geoscientific data are shown, and the value, in a graphics context, of the techniques developed for the display of image data is discussed.