Progress of Quantitative Visualization

Abstract

two-dimensional images are digitally analyzed by computer, resulting in quantitative distribution for certain information. This technique has huge advantages that it can capture two-dimensional or three-dimensional information simultaneously. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is the most promising technology for Quantitative Visualization. PIV techniques show the rapid progress in the last decade worldwide. In September 17-19, 2001, the 4th International Symposium on PIV (PIV-01) was held in Gottingen, Germany. Unfortunately, very few researchers from US attended the symposium because of the September 11th attack. However, more than 200 top researchers around the world joined the symposium to discuss the progress and future of PIV. It is my pleasure to publish the issue of PIV-01. Seven papers have been selected among many presentations in PIV-01. The keynote lecture by Prof. Etoh as well as some papers from US which were not presented at the symposium, are also included in this issue. These papers are selected based on the CD-ROM proceedings, considering the exceptional circumstances of the last September. In addition to the selected papers from PIV-01, a number of other excellent papers are also included. Quantitative Visualization is the key technology for visualization in the 21st century. I am expecting a huge progress on PIV and Quantitative Visualization.