Visualization is largely understood and used as an excellent communication tool by researchers. This narrow view often keeps scientists from fully using and developing their visualization skillset. This tutorial provides an understanding of visualization and its utility in error diagnostic and exploration of data for scientific insight. When used effectively visualization can provide a complementary and effective toolset for data analysis, which is one of the most challenging problems in computational domains. In this tutorial we plan to bridge these gaps by providing end users with fundamental visualization concepts, execution tools, customization and usage examples. Finally, short hands on tutorials on Data Sharing using SeedMe.org will be provided. The tutorial comprises of four closely related sessions as follows: 1 Visualization fundamentals: Lecture – Assay of standard techniques and their utility (45 min) 2 Hands on Visualization with VisIt software on your computer/laptop (80 mins) 3 Remote visualization with VisIt software on Comet/Gordon cluster at SDSC. We will provide training accounts. (30 mins) 4 VisIt software ships with SeedMe Python module for sharing visualizations rapidly. A swift introduction to using SeedMe.org will be provided (20 mins)
INSTRUCTOR: Amit Chourasia, San Diego Supercomputer Center, UCSD Duration: Half Day
PRE_REQUISITES: None
INTENDED AUDIENCE LEVEL: Beginner for visualization, Data sharing session will be useful for all attendees
TUTORIAL OUTCOME The tutorial is aimed to jump start attendees with visualization, by providing them rapid background and how to use a tool. The attendees will gain understanding of standard visualization techniques, application scenarios and best practices. Attendees will get a hands on introduction to the VisIt visualization software and apply the standard techniques on sample data. By the end of the tutorial attendees will gain proficiency in creating sophisticated visualizations and pursue more advanced concept on their own. Attendees will also learn how to use HPC resources like Comet/Gordon and conduct remote visualization. Finally they will be introduced to SeedMe platform and how to use it for data and visualization sharing.
REQUIREMENTS 1. Computer + mouse with scroll wheel (laptop trackpads are very difficult to use for 3D navigation, so mouse is recommended) 2. VisIt software (version 2.9.2, yes please install this specific version, not the latest ) 3. Download Sample Data https://wci.llnl.gov/content/assets/docs/simulation/computer-codes/visit/visit_data_files.tar.gz 4. Account on SeedMe.org (You may create an account during the tutorial)
SESSION DETAILS
Session 1 (Lecture): Visualization Fundamentals ---------------------------------------- In this session we will provide a rapid introduction to fundamental visualization concepts. We will provide an assay of visualization techniques available accompanied by example application scenarios. We will also discuss best practices and shortcomings of visualization techniques. These fundamentals will help attendees to apply and innovate existing techniques for their own research. • Introduction to Visualization • Perception overview with eye color sensitivity • Visualization Techniques • Application Examples • Best Practices
Session 2 (Hands on): Visualization with VisIt -------------------------------------- This session will provide a quick over view of VisIt and bulk of the session will be devoted to enable users to get a hands on experience with VisIt application. The attendees will create several visualizations on their laptops by following instructor’s guidance. • VisIt Introduction • VisIt basics (how VisIt works, one plot & 2 operators) • Visit plot survey • Expressions • Commands and Scripting • Moviemaking
Session 3 (Hands on): Remote Interactive Visualization --------------------------------------------- This session will provide a instructions on how to create system host profile and connect to XSEDE host like Comet and perform remote interactive visualization. • Remote Visualization (network permitting)
Session 4 (Hands on): Data Sharing using SeedMe.org -------------------------------------------- This session will provide instructions on how leverage the SeedMe infrastructure to share visualizations within and outside your research group. • SeedMe overview • Command line interaction with SeedMe.org • SeedMe integration with VisIt
