An open‐source software for interactive visualization using C++ and OpenGL: Applications to stochastic theory education in water resources engineering

Abstract The purpose of this article is to explain the design and implementation of an open‐source engineering education software called Stochastic Theory Education through Visualization Environment (STEVE), version 2.0. In an earlier article, a proof‐of‐concept for a computer‐aided visualization tool (also named STEVE, version 1.0) for stochastic theory education in water resources engineering was articulated [see, Schwenk et al. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ., 2008, in press). Using Java Native Interfacing, it was shown that STEVE 1.0 could wrap a space–time stochastic model written in any computer language and be independent of any specific language compiler during tool usage. This article describes the general philosophy, software design, and classroom usage for STEVE with significant improvements on visualization and user‐friendliness (hence, rightfully called version 2.0). The software was created using the C++ programming language with the Microsoft Windows Applications Programming Interface (API). OpenGL was used for the visualization display, and the OpenGL Utility Toolkit (GLUT) was used to visualize text inside the OpenGL window. The instructor‐specified simulation program on stochastic theory was written in Fortran 77. The application has user‐friendly options for modifying input data and parameter specifications as desired by the instructor or the student user. STEVE 2.0 has been tested with the Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. For the benefit of interested users and software makers, we also provide the software application, a short tutorial and all pertinent source codes as freeware for download on our STEVE homepage at http://iweb.tntech.edu/saswe/steve.html . © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 48–55, 2011