Research IT

Data Visualization Equipment Expertise Available

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Touchscreens are very popular for research data visualization but any system deployed must work smoothly and intuitively. There are a wide range of systems available - from expensive purpose-built systems for exhibitions to simple tablet/phone software options available for touching and manipulating data. How do you know which one to choose?

Over the last few years Research IT has collaborated informally with researchers to share knowledge on open source solutions for the specific issue of large scale volume visualization (e.g. greater than 256 x 256 x 256) on a touchscreen device.

A hardware specification service has evolved where Research IT can assist with advice and quotes for touchscreen and workstation visualization nodes, as well as related software installation; and use cases within exhibitions and public engagement. For examples please see the community wiki.

By connecting with Research IT, there are now several groups who can share their equipment and expertise – and as importantly share experience in translating their data – even if their research data content is often diversely different. For example:

  • MRI medical data e.g. exploring white-matter changes within the human brain: Geoff Parker, Hamied Haroom, Sarah Parkes (ISBE)
  • Multiple Materials Science analysis e.g. cracks, fibres and mechanical defects: Sarah-Jane Clelland, Phil Withers (MXIF)
  • Fossil and everything ancient within the Manchester Museum: Russell Garwood, Alan Brown, Campbell Price, Roy Wogelius (ICAL)

All of these groups will be demonstrating their research and their data visualization equipment at the upcoming Presidents Office ‘University Celebrations of Regius Professorship’ on 25 April 2017.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of data visualization hardware or software procurement contact Research IT.