Incorporating interactive 3-dimensional graphics in astronomy research papers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for embedding interactive 3D visualizations into electronic astronomy research papers, enabling dynamic exploration of complex multi-dimensional data directly within publications.

Contribution

The paper presents a new technique combining Adobe PDF extensions and the S2PLOT library to embed rotatable, explorable 3D models in research papers.

Findings

Enables interactive exploration of astronomical data within papers

Demonstrates applications in cosmology and instrumentation

Enhances understanding of multi-dimensional data structures

Abstract

Most research data collections created or used by astronomers are intrinsically multi-dimensional. In contrast, all visual representations of data presented within research papers are exclusively 2-dimensional. We present a resolution of this dichotomy that uses a novel technique for embedding 3-dimensional (3-d) visualisations of astronomy data sets in electronic-format research papers. Our technique uses the latest Adobe Portable Document Format extensions together with a new version of the S2PLOT programming library. The 3-d models can be easily rotated and explored by the reader and, in some cases, modified. We demonstrate example applications of this technique including: 3-d figures exhibiting subtle structure in redshift catalogues, colour-magnitude diagrams and halo merger trees; 3-d isosurface and volume renderings of cosmological simulations; and 3-d models of instructional diagrams and instrument designs.