[sci.virtual-worlds] Out of the lab, into the classroom

andyr@sag4.ssl.berkeley.edu (Andy Rose) (03/28/91)

I wonder if 'visualization' has coalesced (coagulated?) into an area
which is academically approachable.  Does the study of computer
graphics, statistic, or whatever make a reasonable course for a
'visualizer'?  I would like your thoughts on what such a program
looks like.  These could include:

Is it timely or neccessary to pursue this question, given the current
state of visualization?  It would help to define the current state 
of visualization.

What coursework is appropriate for this subject?

Is anyone teaching or planning to teach a class in visualization? What
text to use? What is the course called?  

Would such a class approach the variety of visualization possible or
concentrate on a specific application and a specific hardware/software
combination?

Is this art or science?  What is the place of perception psychology,
virtual worlds, image processing, neural networks, statistics, and
other such research in visualization?

Etc... (please spin some free wheels)

Given the amount of activity at Champagne-Urbana, Cornell, Lowell, San 
Diego, Ohio, Stardent, Silicon Graphics, in labs everywhere, and on
the net, it seems that interpreting data using computer graphics is a
widely varied and highly sought after technique.  Possibly, the many
ways of visualizing data demand study.  Please post c.g.vis or e-mail and
I can summarize.

Andy Rose
andyr@ssl.berkeley.edu

Scientific visualization in the global research community is virtually real.