InSight ? A new software system for data visualization and process integration

Abstract

A new software program, InSight is described which can integrate data and processes from disparate sources and disciplines. The program has been designed from the ground up with generality and flexibility in mind. It is the main tool for data integration and analysis used by the geophysics group at Inco. It combines the features of GIS, general 3D data visualization, drillhole analysis and geological modelling. The modular design has allowed highly interactive, specialized applications to be integrated within the environment. A number of such modules for geophysics and structural geology have been created. This paper describes the history of this project; the motivation, challenges and successes in design and implementation. It discusses exploration data visualization, management and manipulation problems and shows how they are being solved with InSight.