Visualization Concepts

Preface

This book describes how to use the visualization capabilities in AVS/Express. You can use it to learn how to import your data, create a visualization, and render that visualization in viewer.

This book does not describe the programming capabilities of AVS/Express. That information is in the book Using AVS/Express.

AVS/Express is both a development environment and a data visualization tool that can be used by a wide range of users. You should be familiar with the concepts listed below in order to make the most effective and efficient use of the AVS/Express functionality.

• You should know how to use a Motif- or Windows-style point-and-click interface.
• You should be comfortable working on the platform on which AVS/Express is installed. It is also useful if you are familiar with the basic operating system commands for that platform.
• You should have a basic understanding of graphics concepts and data visualization techniques and principles.
• Since AVS/Express can be used as a development tool, it is helpful if you have an understanding of programming techniques; an understanding of object-oriented terminology is also useful.

Your system should have:

• A licensed copy of AVS/Express installed
• Free read/write accessible disk space in which to save your work

The following table lists the typographical conventions used in the AVS/Express books.

Convention Example	Explanation
Press OK. Select File -> Save.	Plain Bold Text This typeface indicates a button, menu, or a menu option.
... a widget is a small	Bold Text This typeface indicates a new terms or a term that may have special meaning for a particular application.
Edit the .login file and add ... Refer to the User's Guide for ... You must change your settings...	Italic Text This typeface is used to indicate a file name, a reference to another section or document, or it might be used for emphasis.
Computer Font	This typeface indicates the contents of a file, a message or prompt, or the actual text that you must type for a command.
cd <directory> testfile.<processID>	<brackets> or <brackets> Brackets identify a place holder. In some cases you supply information, for example, a file name or a directory. In other cases, the place holder identifies a value that is automatically assigned by the system.
File -> Save Compiled Project	-> Indicates a menu selection. In this example, you click on the File menu and then select Save.
bar xvZf /dev ¬ /rfdo	¬ (line continuation marker) Indicates that the text or command is shown on two lines even though it must be entered on a single line.
Click	Click the left mouse button (or the indicated mouse button). If a mouse button is not specified, assume the left.
Middle-click	Click the middle mouse button.
Right-click	Click the right mouse button.
Double-click	Rapidly click the indicated mouse button twice. (If a mouse button is not specified, assume the left).
Shift-click	Hold the Shift key down and click the indicated mouse button. (If a mouse button is not specified, assume the left).
Drag	Position the pointer over an item, press and hold the mouse button down, move the mouse while the mouse button is still pressed, and then release the mouse button when the move is complete.

File Naming Conventions

File naming conventions differ between UNIX and Microsoft Windows (NT and 95) environments.

• UNIX file names are case-sensitive and path names use the forward (/) slash.
• Microsoft Windows file names are not case-sensitive and the path names use the back (\) slash.

This document uses UNIX conventions except where specifically referring to Windows syntax.