Based on course notes of SIGGRAPH course teaching techniques for real-time rendering of volumetric data and effects; covers both applications in scientific visualization and real-time rendering. Starts with the basics (texture-based ray casting) and then improves and expands the algorithms incrementally. Book includes source code, algorithms, diagrams, and rendered graphics.

In traditional computer graphics, 3D objects are created using high-level surface representations such as polygonal meshes, NURBS patches, or subdivision surfaces. However, these methods often do not account for light interaction that is taking place in the atmosphere or in the interior of an object. Contrary to surface rendering, volume rendering describes a wide range of techniques for generating images from 3D scalar data. These techniques generate high-quality images of volumetric objects in real time, including local and global illumination effects. This book provides the basic theory and practical examples needed to work with volume graphics by taking advantage of today's graphics hardware to produce stunning results in real time.