The Fundamentals of Visualizing Data

Raster Graphics vs. Vector Graphics

At its core, computer graphics deals with representing images digitally. Two primary approaches exist: raster and vector graphics. Raster graphics, like JPEGs or PNGs, represent images as a grid of pixels – each pixel having a specific color value.

Vector graphics, on the other hand, use mathematical equations to define shapes (lines, curves, polygons). This means they can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. Examples include SVG and EPS files.

The Rendering Pipeline

Creating a 2D image from a digital representation involves a process called ‘rendering’. The typical pipeline consists of several stages: modeling, shading, lighting, and texture mapping.

Modeling defines the shape of an object. Shading determines how light interacts with that shape. Lighting simulates realistic illumination. Texture mapping adds surface detail.

Rendering = Modeling + Shading + Lighting + Texture Mapping

3D Graphics and Transformations

3D graphics extend the concept to represent objects in three dimensions. This requires defining their position, orientation, and scale within a virtual space.

Transformations – such as translation (moving), rotation, and scaling – are applied to these 3D models using matrices. These transformations allow for complex camera movements and object manipulations.

Model Transformation = Translation Matrix * Rotation Matrix * Scale Matrix

Modern Techniques: Ray Tracing

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the physical behavior of light. It traces rays from the camera’s viewpoint through each pixel, calculating how they interact with objects in the scene.

This produces highly realistic images with accurate reflections, refractions, and shadows – though it's computationally intensive.

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open SPH Fluid and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.