On 31 Dec 08, at 19:19, Adam Foltzer wrote:
My trouble is in deciding which graphics framework to pursue for the
visualization. Since all I need are representations of points, the
path of
least resistance for 2-D visualization seems to be using a simple
loop with
calls to [NSBezierPath fillrect:]. However, I suspect this pattern
would not
extend well to rendering a scene with 3-D instances of the swarms.
It won't. Incidentally, take a look at the NSRectFillList() function
if all you're after is drawing a bunch of rectangles - it's likely to
be a lot faster than NSBezierPath once N gets large.
Beyond the use of Bezier paths, my knowledge falls short pretty
quickly. I
often hear people sing the praises of Core Animation, but the
emphasis on
layering in the documentation makes me doubt its capability to draw
such a
3-D scene.
My understanding of Core Animation is that it's designed primarily for
presenting visual effects within applications. In particular, it
doesn't have any "true 3D" effects; the closest it's got are some
effects which emulate 3D layering in various ways. See the Animation
Overview document[1] for more details.
[1]:
http://developer.apple.com/documentation/GraphicsImaging/Conceptual/Animation_Overview/Animation_Overview.pdf
I also see Quartz mentioned as a friendlier wrapper for OpenGL
It isn't. Quartz is a 2D graphics library and has no 3D capabilities -
if what you're after is 3D rendering of any variety, go directly to
OpenGL; do not pass GO; do not collect $200.
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