Computational visualistics

Computational visualistics is an interdisciplinary field focused on the use of computers to generate and analyze images.^[1]

In the study of images within computer science, the abstract data type "image" (or potentially several such types) is a central focus, along with its various implementations.^[2] Three main groups of algorithms are relevant to this data type in computational visualistics:

Algorithms from "image" to "image" involve image processing, which focuses on operations that convert one or more input images, possibly with additional non-image parameters, into an output image. These operations support various applications, including enhancing image quality through techniques like contrast enhancement, extracting features such as edge detection, and identifying and isolating patterns based on predefined criteria, such as the blue screen technique. The field also encompasses the development of compression algorithms, crucial for the efficient storage and transmission of image data.

Two disciplines focus on transforming images into non-pictorial data. The field of pattern recognition, although not limited to images, has made significant contributions to computational visualistics since the early 1950s. This work includes classifying information within images, such as identifying geometric shapes (e.g., circular regions), recognizing handwritten text, detecting spatial objects, and associating stylistic attributes. The goal is to map images to non-pictorial data types that describe various aspects of the images. In contrast, computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), aims to enable computers to achieve visual perception akin to human vision. Problems in computer vision are considered semantic when their objectives closely align with human-like understanding of objects within images.

The exploration of how operations involving non-pictorial data types can generate images is particularly relevant in computer graphics and information visualization. Computer graphics focuses on creating images that represent spatial configurations of objects, often in a naturalistic manner, such as in virtual architecture. These image-generating algorithms typically start with data describing three-dimensional geometry and scene lighting, along with the optical properties of surfaces. In contrast, information visualization aims to depict various data types, especially those with non-visual components, using visual conventions such as color codes or icons. Fractal images, such as those of the Mandelbrot set, represent a borderline case in information visualization, where abstract mathematical properties are visualized.

The field of computational visualistics was established at the University of Magdeburg, Germany, in the fall of 1996. Initiated by Thomas Strothotte, a professor of computer graphics, and supported by Jörg Schirra and a team of interdisciplinary researchers from social, technical sciences, and medicine, the program focuses on the application of computer science to image-related problems. The five-year diploma program emphasizes core computer science courses, including digital methods and electronic tools, and integrates courses on the use of images in the humanities. Students also develop communicative skills and apply their knowledge in practical areas such as biology and medicine, particularly in fields involving digital image data like microscopy and radiology. Bachelor’s and Master’s programs were introduced in 2006. The term "computational visualistics" is also used for a similar degree program at the University of Koblenz.

• Jochen Schneider, Thomas Strothotte & Winfried Marotzki (2003). Computational Visualistics, Media Informatics, and Virtual Communities. Deutscher Universitätsverlag.
• Jörg R.J. Schirra (1999). "Computational Visualistics: Bridging the Two Cultures in a Multimedia Degree Programme". In: Forum Proceedings, ed.: Z. J. Pudlowski, p. 47–51,
• Jörg R. J. Schirra (2000). "A New Theme for Educating New Engineers: Computational visualistics". In: Global Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 4, No. 1, 73–82. (June 2000)
• Jörg R. J. Schirra (2005). "Foundation of Computational Visualistics". Deutscher Universitätsverlag
• Jörg R. J. Schirra (2005). "Computational Visualistics: Dealing with Pictures in Computer Science". In: K. Sachs-Hombach (Ed.): Bildwissenschaft zwischen Reflexion und Anwendung. Köln: Herbert von Halem Verlag, 2005, 494–509.
• Jörg R. J. Schirra (2005) "Ein Disziplinen-Mandala für die Bildwissenschaft - Kleine Provokation zu einem Neuen Fach"" Archived 2007-05-23 at the Wayback Machine. In: Vol. I: Bildwissenschaft als interdisziplinäres Unternehmen. Eine Standortbestimmung. 2005, Köln: Herbert-von-Halem-Verlag
• Bernhard Preim, Dirk Bartz (2007). Visualization in Medicine. Morgan Kaufmann, 2007.
• Bernhard Preim, Charl Botha (2013). Visual Computing for Medicine. Morgan Kaufmann, 2013.

• Computational visualistics (degree programme at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany)
• Computervisualistik (degree programme at the University Koblenz-Landau, Germany)
• Project Computational visualistics