(PLOT79): a comprehensive portable Fortran scientific line graphics system, as applied to biomedical research

Area of Science:

• Computer Graphics
• Scientific Visualization
• Software Engineering

Background:

• Scientific results are often best communicated through graphical representations.
• Existing graphics systems may have limitations in portability and hardware independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce PLOT79, a computer-generated scientific line graphics system.
• To highlight the software engineering principles and design of PLOT79.
• To demonstrate the system's applicability across various scientific disciplines.

Main Methods:

• PLOT79 is written in SFTRAN3, translatable to Fortran, emphasizing portability and maintainability.
• A modular design supports diverse graphics output devices and operating systems.
• Access is provided via routine linking, pre-written applications, or the interactive parser 'slides'.

Main Results:

• PLOT79 is widely adopted in physical sciences and engineering due to its availability, open source code, and capabilities.
• The system has been successfully implemented across numerous operating systems, with efficient use facilitated by UNIX tools.
• Examples demonstrate PLOT79's value as a resource in ongoing biomedical research projects.

Conclusions:

• PLOT79 is a powerful, adaptable, and accessible tool for scientific visualization.
• The system's design showcases effective software engineering practices.
• PLOT79 offers a valuable resource for both physical and biomedical sciences, while also prompting discussion on graphics standards.