A survey on visual analysis of ocean data

Abstract

A major challenge in analysis of huge amounts of ocean data is the complexity of the data and the inherent complexity of ocean dynamic processes. Interactive visual analysis serves as an efficient complementary approach for the detection of various phenomena or patterns, and correlation exploring or comparing multiple variables in researchers daily work. Firstly, this paper presents a basic concept of the ocean data produced from numerous measurement devices or computer simulations. The characteristics of ocean data and the related data processing techniques are also described. Secondly, the main tasks of ocean data analysis are introduced. Based on the main analysis tasks in the field of oceanography, the survey emphasizes related interactive visualization techniques and tools from four aspects: visualization of multiple ocean environmental elements and multivariate analysis, ocean phenomena identification and tracking, patterns or correlation discovery, ensembles and uncertainties exploration. Finally, the opportunities are discussed for future studies.