Directory: samples


This directory contains sample files that can be used with NCSA X DataSlice.
These files MUST be transferred as BINARY files and all files postfixed with
.Z MUST be uncompressed before use.

Files postfixed with:

*ixjxk.hdf:	are 3D SDS (Scientific Data Sets) files stored in NCSA HDF format.
*.Ras8.hdf:	are 8-bit raster HDF which contains 1 or more raster images.
*.pal:	are raw (SEQ) or HDF palette (color map) files.
*.c:	are sample C programs

This directory also contains small sample HDF programs such as
cpic.c that may be used as a template to generate the HDF files.
Type:
	make cpic 
	
	to generate cpic.

To process HDF 3d SDS files with raw data, ie. without min max values
set or datastrngs, labels, modify the file move.c and type:
	make move

	to generate move.

Overview of the sample datasets:
-------------------------------

3D Scientific DataSets
++++++++++++++++++++++

cloud57x57x57.hdf:
This is a 3D Scientific Data Set of the x-, y- and z- wind velocities of a
severe thunderstorm simulation.  The xy plane presents the bird's eye view
of the storm, with plane 0 near ground level.  You should be able to locate
a vortex near the center of this plane.  The central planes in the xz- and
yz- views maps out the tunnel of this vortex.  An interesting palette to use
when analysing this data is barb.pal, as it highlights various parts of this
richly structured data sets.  The cartesian dicer is a very useful tool when
analyzing data as dense as this.  However, volumetric rendering will not work
as well.  Animation works well too in showing how the vortex forms up and down
the cloud.  Isosurface rendering effectively maps out the structure of the
vortex.

spine64x64x64.hdf:
This is a CAT scan of a human spine consisting of 64 scan slices.  It is very
sparse and most of the high values are concentrated in the middle 32 slices of
data, hence the slices made by the cartesian dicer will mostly be very dark.
To view this data effectively, it is best to use the volumetric renderer to
condense the data into X-ray like pictures.

corn64x64x64.hdf:
This is a reduced data set of a 3D NMR image of a ear of corn using Fourier
Imaging Techniques.  The researchers are:  Huaipu Song and Bruce Litchfield
at the Agricultural Engineering Department of University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign.


Raster Images/Animation Sequences
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

brain.vbuff.Ras8.hdf:
This animation sequence is derived from a 256x256x103 3D scientific data set
that is provided courtesy of 
   Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.,
   186 Wood Avenue South,
   Iselin, NJ  08830.
The Magnetom MRI machine is used to generate the data, and the slice thickness
is 1.5 mm.
The animation is a sequence of volume rendered images of the side of a human
head being sliced towards the middle half of the head, exposing the brain and
tissue.  The sequence demonstrates the power that X DataSlice provides to
medical scientists in analyzing dense data.

brain.iso.Ras8.hdf:
This animation sequence is derived from the same 256x256x103 3D scientific
data set which is the MRI scan of a human head.  In this case, iso-surfaces
are plotted, polygons fully shaded from 1 light source that is perpendicular
to the image (emanating from the viewer position), and hidden surfaces removed.
Perperspective projection and depth cueing is also present to make the 3D
images more realistic.  There are a total of 37 frames showing the 3D sliced
head being rotated to various positions to bring to life the image.  This
sequence is generated automatically using X DataSlice v1.1.2.

skull.iso.Ras8.hdf:
This animation sequence is derived from a 64x64x56 3D scientific data set
which is the CT scan of a human head.  In this case, 3 colored iso-surfaces
are plotted, polygons fully shaded from 1 light source that is perpendicular
to the image (emanating from the viewer position), and hidden surfaces removed.
Perperspective projection and depth cueing is also present to make the 3D
images more realistic.  Each iso-surface is assigned a color (eg. golden
brown for skin, light blue for skull and yellow for tissue between the skull
and skin).  Parts of the head are also removed to show in hollow inside of
the skull (brains were not mapped).  There are a total of 40 frames showing
the 3D sliced head being rotated to various positions to bring the image to
life.  This sequence is generated automatically using X DataSlice v1.1.3.