Videowall for scientific data visualization and exploration
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Reading
Department Name: Meteorology
Abstract
Datasets used in environmental science are becoming ever larger. The increased sophistication of measuring instruments (including satellites) and computer simulations means that researchers need to understand terabytes or petabyes of data. Visualization is a very important tool in extracting meaning from very large and complex datasets, because the human brain is extremely good at spotting features and patterns that a computer cannot.
Although most scientists use ordinary desktop computing facilities in their everyday work, these facilities are often inadequate for visualizing and analysing large-volume and high-resolution datasets. Therefore we propose to build a videowall consisting of eight high-resolution screens together with a powerful graphics workstation. This will allow scientists to visualize very large datasets and collaborate together to understand them.
Although most scientists use ordinary desktop computing facilities in their everyday work, these facilities are often inadequate for visualizing and analysing large-volume and high-resolution datasets. Therefore we propose to build a videowall consisting of eight high-resolution screens together with a powerful graphics workstation. This will allow scientists to visualize very large datasets and collaborate together to understand them.
Planned Impact
Industrial partners and policymakers will benefit from the ability to see visual representations of complex data (e.g. the effects of different climate scenarios), enabling them to understand better the conclusions that scientists have reached. We anticipate using the videowall system for outreach and knowledge exchange events. The University is involved in many activities connected with industrial collaboration (including TSB-funded projects, NERC Knowledge Exchange project and close interactions with bodies such as the Space Applications Catapult).
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Jon Blower (Principal Investigator) |
Description | This project was to build a new data visualization facility at the University of Reading. We built an 8-screen videowall, driven by a powerful computer, that enables scientists to present their data in an eye-catching and attractive way, and to explore their data to support their own research. We are hoping to enable a cultural shift in how scientists use visualization in their everyday work, by making visualization techniques more attractive, accessible and usable. |
Exploitation Route | In addition to the expected use of the videowall itself, we make our software available as open-source downloads. We have already had interest from other scientific groups in using this software. We have also had a number of enquiries from groups (including the NERC community) who want to install similar videowall facilities at their own institutions. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Construction,Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Energy,Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Transport |
URL | http://www.met.reading.ac.uk/resc/home/facilities/videowall.php |
Description | Scientific research groups are using the facility in their own scientific meetings, to help them share data, discuss ideas and enhance their collaborations. In addition, the facility has been used to support several outreach activities, including filming for online courses (MOOCs) and television programmes (e.g. BBC). It has also been used for training activities, including a NERC short course on software development. Perhaps most importantly in terms of impact, the videowall is an excellent tool for engaging external audiences (e.g. industry and policymakers) to show research results in an interactive and engaging manner. Numerous external visitors have been engaged in this way (e.g. Airbus GEO, European Space Agency, CABI, Defra, Yorkshire Water, many more). |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Creative Economy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Environment |
Impact Types | Cultural,Societal |
Title | "Multiglobe" visualization software |
Description | To ensure that the maximum potential of the videowall facility is reached, we at ReSC have developed custom software for exploring and comparing 4-dimensional high-resolution datasets. Designed for the video wall, this software is also capable of running perfectly well on a modern desktop machine. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | Software is newly released, but has already attracted attention from scientists, broadcasters and industry collaborators as a way to visually integrate multiple datasets. |
URL | http://www.met.reading.ac.uk/~resc-web/home/software.html |