The CMB environment consists of a suite of applica-
tions that provide the capabilities necessary to define a model (consisting of geometry and attribute informa- tion) that’s suitable for hydrological simulation. Their simulations are used to determine the impact that environmental conditions, such as human activities, have on bodies of water. One goal is to visualize simulation data post-
processed by CMB tools. Spatiotemporal information, for example, is included in oxygen content and salinity data. Drawing data in geospatial context lets users or analysts see which locations are near certain features, giving the data orientation and scale that can easily be understood. Figure 3 shows the oxygen and salt content of Chesapeake Bay, where red shows higher concentrations and blue shows lower concentrations.
Moving Forward Visualizations that can be understood at all levels will be key in politics, economics, national security, urban planning and countless other fields. As information becomes increasingly complex, it will be harder for computers to extract and display those insights in ways people can understand. More research must be done in new geospatial analysis and visualization capabilities before we drown in our own data. And it’s even more important to edu- cate people in how to use and interpret the wealth of analysis tools already available, extending beyond the basic road map. High schools, colleges and the media should push
the envelope with new types of visuals and animations that show data in richer ways. The price of explaining these new views will be repaid when audiences gain deeper insights into the real issues otherwise hidden by simple summaries. Progress isn’t limited by the volume of available information, but by the ability to consume it.
Authors’ Note: The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Depart- ment of Defense or the U.S. Government. This is in accordance with DoDI 5230.29, Jan. 8, 2009.
lFigure 3. Google Earth was used to display Chesapeake Bay’s relative salt (top) and oxygen (bottom) content (higher
concentrations in red).
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Aashish Chaudhary is a member of the research staff, and Jeff Baumes is a technical leader, Kitware Inc.; e-mail: aashish.chaudhary@kitware.com and jeff.baumes@kitware.com, respectively.
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