Workflows

A workflow is a graph of Vistle modules which represent processing steps and implements a visualization pipeline. The necessary stages when creating a workflow strongly depend on the individual application. However, the following pipeline can be used as a reference:

Visualization Pipeline Stages

Acquisition

First, data needs to be imported, which is typically retrieved by reading from files (allthough dynamic connection to in-situ simulations is supported as well). Reader modules are provided for data import from files, for a number of different file formats (e.g. OpenFOAM, WRF, Nek5000). Moreover, they often allow to refine data to be read by setting limits in timesteps or selecting certain variables only.

Filter

Features of interest can be extracted from the data set through filter modules. These include, among others, cropping geometries, selecting specific grid layers or the surface of a geometry.

Map

Mapping modules allow to visualize data values. This is achieved by mapping data values to colors or computing iso surfaces.

Render & Display

Often, the two steps of rendering pixel images and presenting them on screen are mashed together in a single program. Only for workflows involving remote rendering, these steps are split up into two modules, e.g. DisCOVERay and COVER.