A Streamline Selection Technique for Integrated Scalar and Vector Visualization

Scalar and vector field visualization techniques have evolved almost independently. We think integration of scalar and vector visualization is still an interesting topic. For example, many researchers in fluid dynamics simulations still use 2D scalar and vector visualization techniques in one display, to demonstrate the coherency between scalar (e.g., temperature and air pressure) and vector (e.g., air flow) fields. However, it is often difficult to understand the 3D mechanism of phenomena from such 2D visualization results. This paper presents a streamline selection technique for integrated scalar and vector field visualization. The technique visualizes a scalar field by multiple semitransparent isosurfaces, and a vector field by multiple streamlines, while the technique adequately selects the streamlines considering reduction of cluttering among the isosurfaces and streamlines. The technique first selects and renders interesting isosurfaces. It then temporarily generates a lot of streamlines from randomly selected seed points. The technique evaluates each of the streamlines according to their visibility, and selects the specified number of highly evaluated streamlines. Consequently, the technique visualizes scalar and vector fields simultaneously, by isosurfaces selected from non-view-dependent perspective, and streamlines selected from view-dependent perspective.