Multi Surface Light Table (MSLT) is an interactive software tool that was developed in support of the QuakeSim project, which has created an earthquake fault database and a set of earthquake simulation software tools. MSLT visualizes the three-dimensional geometries of faults embedded below the terrain and animates time-varying simulations of stress and slip. The fault segments, represented as rectangular surfaces at dip angles, are organized into collections, that is, faults. An interface built into MSLT queries and retrieves fault definitions from the QuakeSim fault database. MSLT also reads time-varying output from one of the QuakeSim simulation tools, called "Virtual California." Stress intensity is represented by variations in color. Slips are represented by directional indicators on the fault segments. The magnitudes of the slips are represented by the duration of the directional indicators in time. The interactive controls in MSLT provide a virtual trackball, pan and zoom, translucency adjustment, simulation playback, and simulation movie capture. In addition, geographical information on the fault segments and faults is displayed on text windows. Because of the extensive viewing controls, faults can be seen in relation to one another, and to the terrain. These relations can be realized in simulations. Correlated slips in parallel faults are visible in the playback of Virtual California simulations.

This software was written by Herbert L Siegel and P. Peggy Li of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.

This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-2827. Refer to NPO-40781.

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Computer software and hardware Data management Exteriors Simulation and modeling Software Terminology Terrain Tools and equipment Windows and windshields
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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Tool for Viewing Faults Under Terrain

(reference NPO-40781) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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NASA Tech Briefs Magazine

This article first appeared in the December, 2005 issue of NASA Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 29 No. 12).

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Overview

The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the Multi Surface Light Table (MSLT), a software tool designed for visualizing earthquake fault segments beneath terrain. Developed under NASA's Computational Technology project, MSLT allows users to observe dynamic characteristics of faults, such as time-varying slip and stress values, through an interactive 3D environment.

MSLT integrates data from the QuakeSIM fault database and utilizes outputs from the Virtual California simulation to represent slip and stress visually. The software employs color and intensity variations on fault segments to convey these dynamic parameters, enhancing the understanding of time-dependent fault interactions. Users can manipulate the visualization through interactive controls, including a virtual trackball, pan and zoom features, simulation playback, and movie capture capabilities.

The software is noted for its unique ability to combine various geographical elements related to earthquakes into an integrated and comprehensible visual format, which is a significant advantage over existing software. It has been tested on multiple operating systems, including SGI IRIX, Linux, and Mac OS X, and performs well on machines equipped with hardware-accelerated OpenGL.

The document also outlines the software's development history, indicating that it was built upon previously existing code developed at JPL. It highlights the interest from various organizations, including UC Davis and UC Irvine, where team members have presented the software as a demo. The software is classified as mature and has been disclosed to external parties.

In terms of technical requirements, MSLT requires a Unix or Linux machine with Motiv and X with OpenGL. The document emphasizes the importance of compliance with U.S. export regulations due to the proprietary nature of the information contained within.

Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive overview of the MSLT software, its capabilities, development background, and potential applications in understanding earthquake dynamics, showcasing JPL's commitment to advancing technology in the field of geoscience.