[comp.sys.mac.misc] Need Recommendations for Scientific Visualization and Animation

dhodge@amsaa-cleo.brl.mil (Don Hodge) (03/25/91)

The group that I work with is starting to be interested in "Scientific
Visualization" and "Animation", (i.e. the graphical display of data). 
Scientific visualization is defined as 2D and 3D plotting, where 3D means the 
ability to plot multiple 3D surfaces on the same view with the ability to add 
color and contours to each surface.  Animation is defined as the ability to 
dynamically display the output from a model.  Examples range from the display of
a 3D surface over some period of time to the display of the results of a war 
game where unit movement and combat are shown on a map.

One way to satisfy this current interest is to buy a Silicon Graphics
workstation and PV-Wave for the scientific visualization and Wave Front for the
animation.  I'm looking for a less expensive option.

Questions:

First, are there software packages available for the Mac that will perform the
functions of either of these two packages?

Second, what would your recommend for color hard copy output, and what would I
need to record the animation on video tape?

E-mail or post.  

Thanks

Don Hodge            Internet:  dhodge@brl.army.mil
                     Phone:     301-278-6597