SGI Visualization System Aids Katrina Recovery

With the 2006 Hurricane Season less than three months away and already expected to be about as active as 2005, the Silicon Graphics Prism visualization system is expected to improve the way data is provided to EOCs.

"Our Katrina efforts provide both a compelling stereo fly-through, as well as a collaboratively-manipulable, fully interactive visualization of Katrina," said Brygg Ullmer, assistant professor, LSU CS + CCT, and leader of VIDA's visualization group. "Several of these datasets are large-scale simulations, seeded by actual measurements of the storm; others include data from sensors and satellites. We've transformed these into two compelling kinds of visuals. One of these is a visual flythrough, viewable in stereo with inexpensive glasses. The second is a fully interactive visualization, which allows multiple participants to collaboratively steer time and other parameters through new 'tangible' interaction devices. We're now trying to leverage that interactivity, hosting it on the Prism system so that people all over campus -- or throughout the state -- can inspect, manipulate, and dissect the anatomy and physiology of Katrina. [...]"