3D Nature! - Interactive Vizualization Hits the Big Time

Nature, the preeminent journal of scientific research, has boosted the credibility of interactive 3d for scientific visualization by publishing their first 3d interactive figure. The January 1st issue contains 3d figures of molecular clouds in a paper first-authored by Alyssa A. Goodman, astronomy professor at Harvard University.

Nature makes use of '3d PDF' technology which allows 3d applets to be embedded in PDF document pages, much like we currently embed them in traditional web pages. Try out the published models (and others) for yourself at this page on the site of Goodman's Initiative in Innovative Computing group. Note: You'll need Adobe Reader 8.1.2 or better to view and interact with the 3d modules.

Screenshot:


We won't pretend to comprehend exactly what is going on in this figure, but one thing we do know is 3d - and the fidelity of this model is fantastic. There a few awkward interaction elements that could be smoothed out, but nothing due to limitations of the technology. The most exciting about this publication for us is that the backing of Nature is sure to increase the exposure and enthusiasm for interactive 3d technologies. Many fields that already make use of 3d technologies to visualize data in their labs will greatly benefit from this expanded ability to communicate their findings to readers.

Anyone interested in using 3d PDF technology for their own work should contact us for more detail.