Due to the increase in desktop computing power, volume rendering has become more accessible to scientists, engineers and student. This book includes detailed coverage of every step of the volume rendering process, explaining the challenges, tradeoffs and best solutions available.

Learn what volume rendering is -- and what it isn't. Understand the most important applications. Walk step-by-step through volume rendering, including data acquisition, representation, storage, shading, classification, resampling, compositing and much more. For readers familiar with conventional computer graphics, this book points out parallels and critical differences. The book includes detailed coverage of tradeoffs among rendering performance, quality, precision, and other issues. The book is both an introductory-to-intermediate level course and a state-of-the-art resource guide. It includes extensive source code on CD-ROM, detailed listings of products, publications and relevant organizations.