Vector Visualizations

Using the Visualize Perspective you can quickly visualize vector data. The example in this section uses global wind vector data. You can do much more with the data once it is visualized. The second example shows this capability by adding a map projection and continental outlines to the visualization.

Vector Example

Note
This example assumes the default action definitions. Your results may be different if you have added new actions or changed the order of actions. To return all Tool Palette actions to their system default state, see Resetting the Default Actions.

Make sure you are viewing the IDL Visualize Perspective. (Click the Visualize button (

) in the upper right of the Workbench.)

At the IDL command line, type (or click on the command to run it in IDL):

RESTORE, FILEPATH('globalwinds.dat', SUBDIR=['examples','data'])

The four variables defined in this data appear in the Variables View:

Select all four of the variables and drag them to the Vector tool.

The iVector window opens, displaying the global wind vector data:

Note
In this view, without a map projection, it is difficult to understand this data as it relates to locations on the globe.

Leave the vector window open and proceed to the next example, which adds a map projection and continental outlines to the visualization.

Add a Map Projection to the Vector Visualization

First, add the vector data from the previous example.

If you have not done so already, follow the steps in the Vector Example.

In the iVector window, select Operations → Map Projection.

The Map Projection dialog appears.

From the Projection drop-down list, select Mollweide, as shown below:

Click OK.

The vector data in the iVector window now warps to fit the Mollweide map projection.

To add the continent outlines to the visualization, click on Insert → Map → Continents.

The continent outlines now appear:

For more information, see Vectors and Mapping.

Manipulating Vector Visualizations

Once you have visualized an image, you can perform many different kinds of operations on it, including:

Modifying properties such as adding colorbars, axes, resampling, filtering, contouring, and surfacing (see Vector Properties)

Manipulating the visualization by rotating, scaling, flipping, inverting, zooming, adding annotations, etc. (see Manipulating the Vector Visualization)

Changing operations such as scaling, cropping, or viewing statistics or a histogram (see iVector Tool Operations)

Using the iTools Procedural Interface to add a variety of annotations.

For more information, please refer to Working with Vectors and Manipulating the Display.