2.4 Build Your Own

The investigator may need more flexibility than a data flow system can provide. This can happen if the visualization tasks need to be more tightly coupled with the aMlication. It can also happen if the intemal data fommats are inadequate for the problem in hand.

In such a case, the investigator may decide to construct a purpose built visualization system. The possible ingredients include:

• A development system for uscr interfaces based on X I I toolkits - a report is being produced by RAL about the offerings in this area.
• A graphics system such as PHIGS, PHIGS PLUS or GKS
• Ideally an independent library of advanced visualization techniques would also be available, but this is not the case at present.

It is advisable to carefully consider the facilities that data systems already (or will shortly) provide before committing to the effort required.

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