Topology-based Simplification for Feature Extraction from 3D Scalar Fields

Conference · Thu Oct 13 04:00:00 EDT 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/VIS.2005.106· OSTI ID:885411

Gyulassy, A; Natarajan, V; Pascucci, V; Bremer, P; Hamann, B

This paper describes a topological approach for simplifying continuous functions defined on volumetric domains. We present a combinatorial algorithm that simplifies the Morse-Smale complex by repeated application of two atomic operations that removes pairs of critical points. The Morse-Smale complex is a topological data structure that provides a compact representation of gradient flows between critical points of a function. Critical points paired by the Morse-Smale complex identify topological features and their importance. The simplification procedure leaves important critical points untouched, and is therefore useful for extracting desirable features. We also present a visualization of the simplified topology.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 885411
• Report Number(s): UCRL-PROC-216195
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ALGORITHMS
SCALAR FIELDS
TOPOLOGY