PNNL

Abstract

Visualization has been the cornerstone of scientific progress throughout history. Much of modern physics is a result of the superior abstract visualization abilities of a few brilliant men. Newton visualized the effect of gravitational force fields in three dimensional space acting on the center of mass. And Einstein visualized the geometric effects of objects in relative and uniform accelerated motion, with the speed of light a constant, time part of space, and acceleration indistinguishable from gravity. Virtually all comprehension in science, technology, and even art calls on our ability to visualize. In fact, the ability to visualize is almost synonymous with understanding. We have all used the expression “I see” to mean “I understand.