When computers were first used to process large data sets, computer graphics provided users with simple visualizations. Today, the discipline of scientific visualization is a mature one which can transform any type of numeric data into an image. Such images range from a simple static graphs to complex animated 3D sequences. Furthermore, the technology of virtual reality can now integrate the user and images into an interactive immersive environment. Visualization techniques have wide-ranging applications in diverse areas such as financial forecasting, business, medicine, meteorology and engineering. This book brings together a panel of international experts active in computer graphics, computer animation, visualization, modeling and virtual reality. The latest advances and techniques are presented in topics ranging from genetic algorithms in modeling to visualizing virtual environments. Visualization and Modeling is essential reading for anyone who wishes to examine expert thinking and current practice in this exciting and fast-moving area.