Guide to graphics software tools

Today, many scientists in different disciplines realize the power of graphics, but are also bewildered by the numerous gra- phics tools. More often than not, they choose the improper soft- ware tools and end up with unsatisfactory results. This book in- troduces and categorizes the most commonly used graphics tools and their applications. The purpose is not to provide an exhaus- ting list of tools and their explicit functions, but rather to provide scientific researchers with different means and applica- tion areas in computer graphics, so as to help them efficiently use visualization, modeling, simulation, and virtual reality to complement their research needs. This guide includes coverage of the most widely used commercial software, freeware and open- source software.