Advanced 3D graphics allow us to do incredible visualizations and some believe we will eventually be able to see what exactly we mean. The appeal of powerful simulation/visualization has always been that it facilitates understanding of complex phenomena:

MONIAC had been designed to be used as a teaching aid but was discovered also to be an effective economic simulator. At the time that MONIAC was created, electronic digital computers that could run complex economic simulations were unavailable. In 1949 the few computers in existence were restricted to government and military use. Neither did they have adequate visual display facilities, so were unable to illustrate the operation of complex models. Observing the MONIAC in operation made it much easier for students to understand the interrelated processes of a national economy. The range of organisations that acquired a MONIAC showed that it was used in both capacities.
Wikipedia: MONIAC Computer

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 20th, 2007 at 8:39 pm and is filed under Simulations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.