The Design and Implementation of an Object-Oriented Toolkit for 3D Graphics and Visualization

Abstract

The Visualization Toolkit (vtk) is a freely available C++ class library for 3D graphics and visualization. In this paper we describe core characteristics of this toolkit. This includes a description of object-oriented models for graphics and visualization; methods for synchronizing system execution; a summary of data representation schemes; the role of C++; issues in portability across PC and Unix systems; and how we automatically wrap the C++ class library with interpreted languages such as Java and Tcl. We also demonstrate the capabilities of the system for scalar, vector, tensor, and other visualization techniques. 1.0 Introduction Two important trends are emerging in the computer industry. These are the development of object-oriented systems, and the use of more complex user interface methods, especially the use of 3D computer graphics and visualization. Object-oriented systems offer the possibility to create better, more maintainable systems with reusable software components. Co...