Graphics technology has been evolving for at least 15 years. There have been false starts and diverse paths that have been followed. Now, however, the present state of technology and

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the support systems in place with the technology make it abundantly clear that graphics has arrived as a prime tool for the explorationist.

Today we will examine factors associated with the use of graphics and graphics technology. First, we will review the technology evolving in computer graphics and comment on what impact and value technology has on the graphics products of today and what future trends can be projected. Second, we will discuss the techniques and philosophy of the software support systems. We will look at some of the earlier frustrations of graphics systems and examine the easier-to-use systems available today. Third, we will examine some of the economics associated with graphics systems and discuss trade-offs and alternatives available to the industry. Fourth, we will discuss some of the personal and personnel factors associated with the use of graphics and graphics technology.

The summary will bring together the four points mentioned above to show that it has taken an evolution and a change in all of these factors to provide the current environment where graphics can provide a really productive tool for the progressive explorationist.

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