Viz 3D Environment Visualization

Viz is a cross-platform software application that handles 3D visualization and user interaction with a simulated environment. It is the latest application in a series of software tools produced by the Intelligent Robotics Group at Ames Research Center. As both a desktop application and networked graphics server, Viz delivers a high degree of flexibility to support the needs of NASA's evolving robotic planetary exploration program.

Viz was developed primarily for the Mars Polar Lander (MPL) mission, and was used in pre-landing MPL operational readiness tests and several FIDO and K9 rover tests.

For use in the MER Project, Viz has been adapted to operate with the data products produced by the Athena Science Payload and the MER platform. New features have also been added to Viz to increase its usefulness for science analysis and operations. A description of the role of Viz in the MER Project is contained in the Athena Science Implementation Plan.

The MER Project has designated Viz as a Science Analysis Software Element with classification: "class B, adapted". This classification requires a Software Test Plan, User's Guide, and Release Description Document. In addition, a combined inheritance, requirements, and design review must be completed, as well as a final delivery review.

• Viz 2.3.0 Current Distribution (07-29-2002)
• Viz 2.2.1 (04-01-2002)
• Viz 2.2.0 (02-15-2002)
• Viz 2.1.0 (11-15-2001)

VR Class Library

The 3D Visualization Project has developed and maintains a cross-platform C++ class library as a foundation for research and development activities. The class library allows modular integration of new ideas and components into existing application frameworks. It supports basic types, file formats, and image processing routines common to many robotics and science applications. In addition, several high-level modules are developed for processes such as stereo image processing.

External Resources

The functionality and convenience of several open source, public, and commercial libraries are also leveraged in 3D Visualization Project software to reduce development overhead. Currently, these include:

• Qt (by Trolltech)
• Open Inventor (by SGI)
• CSPICE Toolkit (by NAIF at JPL)
• Matrix Template Library (by OSL at Indiana University)