Illustrative Graphics & Visualization Framework for Geological-Inspired Conceptual Model Development

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In the early stages of any modeling activity, users collaboratively build a range of conceptual models, which help formulate ideas, suggest possible solutions, and make important decisions that affect subsequent modeling stages. Conceptual models are commonly represented as hand-made sketches and renderings, providing rich visual references for exploring the uncertainties and helping on the depiction of a more interpretive, approximated version of the intended model. Computational tools proposed to aid the user in this process have their foundations in the computer graphics and visualization fields of sketch-based interfaces and modeling (SBIM), non-photorealistic rendering (NPR), and illustrative visualization (IVis). These areas introduced a new paradigm that leverages the traditional illustrator's fundamental and applied drawing and rendering skills, allowing users to build and visualize models more intuitively and to gain new insights into exploring their uncertainties.I am proposing to address fundamental research problems in SBIM, NPR/IVis identified in my previous work on applying interactive modeling and visualization to geoscience; and also inspired by examples of traditional geological sketching, rendering, and illustration practices and examples I observed over the years. I am proposing a research program with three interrelated themes and problems as follows: (A) “Enhancing Scientific Observations via Sketching” A1. Stepwise observational sketching for conceptual model development of natural structures. Synchronized SBIM and NPR, transferring what we observe without or minimally looking at the sketch while applying gestural drawing and rendering.A2. Rule-based sketching and modeling of natural structures. Algorithmic rules based on the morphology of natural structures and their interfaces, to ensure realistic' structures are generated during sketch-input and in the model output.(B) “Visual Abstractions of Natural Materials & Structures” B1. Interactive non-photorealistic rendering of natural materials. Interactive procedural NPR of fabric patterns rendered in varying multi-scale geometries and structural relationships.B2. Interactive illustrative visualization of complex natural structures. Higher-level rendering abstraction inspired by eight general scientific illustration techniques and specific examples used in geo-scientific illustrations.(C) “Similarity-based Conceptual Sketching & Rendering.” Integrated set of data and visual analytics algorithms to classify existing sketches and renderings and generate new ones based on similarity of multi-dimensional attributes from the input models.The research outcomes are extendable to a broader number of scientific and engineering disciplines and applications requiring conceptual sketching and rendering in the style of our geology-inspired solutions.