Overview

Developing interactive data analysis applications is a difficult task. In addition to the complexities inherent in writing code to collect and manipulate data, developing an intuitive user interface for an interactive 3D graphing tool is far from being an easy task. Furthermore, using API functions for 3D graphics, such as OpenGL, is quite complex and requires a large amount of time-consuming programming.

Array Visualizer (AVIS) makes the job of writing a high quality array viewer for your customers easier by providing API functions in the Aview library, as well as two ActiveX controls. Using Array Visualizer lets you focus on the simulation or modeling aspects of your application without spending excessive time writing low-level graphics code.

There are several different approaches to using the Array Visualizer. The best approach for you will depend on the particular problem you are trying to solve and the amount of time you have to spend to add visualization features to your program.

Here are the four basic options to using the Array Visualizer:

Option Advantages: Disadvantages:
Use the Visual Fortran debugger to view array data with the Array Viewer program (see the Visual Fortran Programmer's Guide, Debugger chapter.
  • It does not require any code modifications
  • It works with any project type
  • Requires manual invocation and customization of array properties
  • Cannot be used from Visual C++ or Visual Basic
  • Cannot be used in Release mode
Use the fagl subroutines (or agl functions for C programmers) to view array data with the Array Viewer program
  • Small number of routines (about 10) are easy to learn and use
  • Minimal changes are required to existing code
  • Works with all project types and with both Debug and Release builds
  • Requires manual customization of Array Viewer properties (if desired)
Use the fagl (agl) subroutines in conjunction with the fav routines (or CAViewer class routines for C++ programmers).
  • Allows the Array Viewer settings to be customized to view your array data in the most appropriate fashion.
  • Works with any project type
  • Multiple arrays can be shown sequentially in one Array Viewer instance
  • More routines to learn! For example, there are about 100 fav routines (though typically you'll only need to use a small subset of these)
  • Can't use CAViewer class from C (requires C++).
Use the Avis2D and/or AvisGrid ActiveX controls
  • Allows you to incorporate Graph and Data views directly into your program
  • Startup time will be faster, because there is no external process to initiate
  • Allows more possibilities for customization
  • Only works with Fortran Windows project type (for Visual Fortran) or MFC (for Visual C++). Note: In Visual Basic, most EXE project types can use the Avis2D and AvisGrid controls.
  • There are lot of Avis2D/AvisGrid properties, methods, and events to become familiar with!
  • Avis2D and AvisGrid can't be used to display HDF or text data files