Spatial Synthesis, Volume II, Book 2. Making It Clear: The Importance of Transparency

Abstract

Graphics created on the computer often employ subtle capabilities that did not really exist in a paper and pen environment. Thus, "white" becomes a color to be used in the same way as red or green. "Transparent" also becomes a color by which to uncover parts of other images. Two dimensional maps composed of layers in Geographic Information Systems software may look through one layer to see part of another. Images created in Adobe Photoshop can be assigned partially opaque colors to let still others show through. The world of three-dimensional models suggests a host of oppotunity for making things "clear." The emphasis in this second book in Volume II of the Spatial Synthesis is on the importance of transparency.