Visualization and data analysis can allow for the systematic detection of features. For example, features like vortices in a flow field can be detected using efficient and robust methods derived from the physics of the problem. Similarly, discrete simulation models can be used to generate phenomena. These methods can generate rough looking surfaces are amenable to user control.

Animation has relied on the direct numerical simulation of phenomenon. It is often hard to achieve to allow interactive control. Perhaps, one could use results from visualization and discrete simulation in an inverse fashion to generate necessary imagery. I will first describe our recent work in visualization and modeling and then conclude with some thoughts for using the same towards animation.