Applying an interactive graphics system to underwater acoustics modeling

A growing trend in underwater acoustics modeling is toward the use of more interactive and time-dependent graphics displays. Two approaches to achieving CRT graphics are the graphics terminal and the graphics system. Since a graphics terminal requires the power of the host computer for all graphics applications, it cannot operate independent of the host computer. A graphics system, on the other hand, contains its computer and thus can operate independent of the host computer. In addition to providing all the advantages of a graphics terminal (except cost), a graphics system can be used for stand-alone creation, time-dependent display, and manipulation of graphic information, digitization, program text and document editing, compilation, execution, printing, and hardcopy plotting. In addition, it contains its own file management system and allows for the transfer of program and data files between the host computers and graphics system. This paper describes the application of an interactive graphics system to some underwater acoustics problems.