Interpreting Color Maps Preview

Introduction

Color mapping is one of the fastest ways to extract insight from a CT dataset—but only when it’s interpreted correctly. In the free MyVGL Viewer, color maps visually represent density variation within the scan, helping users identify internal features and communicate findings more clearly.

This written tutorial explains what CT colors mean and how to think about them. The accompanying video shows how to apply, adjust, and interact with color maps inside the MyVGL Viewer.

What Do CT Colors Mean?

In CT visualization, colors correspond to ranges of voxel intensity values, which are related to material density or X-ray attenuation. Each color represents a portion of the grayscale data collected during the scan.

Importantly, color maps do not automatically identify materials. Instead, they provide a visual way to distinguish relative density differences within the dataset.

Understanding this distinction is critical before adjusting color settings in the Viewer.

Why Color Maps Are Used in CT Visualization

Color maps are applied to improve clarity and speed interpretation.

They help users:

• See density variation more easily than grayscale alone
• Identify internal features and transitions
• Communicate findings visually to non-specialists

In the MyVGL Viewer, color mapping enhances visibility without modifying or segmenting the underlying data.

How Color Maps Should Be Interpreted

CT colors are relative, not absolute.

• Similar colors indicate similar density ranges
• Gradual color changes typically reflect natural density transitions
• Abrupt color changes may indicate interfaces, voids, or artifacts

Because color is dependent on viewing settings, the same dataset may look different when color ranges are adjusted.

The video demonstrates how to make these adjustments and observe their effect in real time.

Color Maps and Transparency

Color maps become even more effective when paired with transparency controls. Transparency allows outer material to be visually reduced while internal, color-coded features remain visible.

This combination is especially useful for:

• Thick-walled parts
• Assemblies with internal features
• Communicating internal geometry without removing context

The accompanying video walks through how transparency and color work together inside the Viewer.

What Color Maps Are Not

Color maps should not be used as:

• Direct indicators of material type
• Quantitative measurements
• Standalone analysis tools

They are a visualization aid designed to guide interpretation and discussion, not replace detailed analysis performed in the full version of MyVGL.

Why Watch the Video

While this page explains what CT colors represent, the video shows how to apply and adjust color maps in the MyVGL Viewer, including:

• How color ranges affect visibility
• How small adjustments reveal hidden features
• How color and transparency interact in 3D

Seeing these changes in motion is essential for understanding how to use color maps effectively.

Color mapping in the free MyVGL Viewer provides a powerful way to visualize density variation and internal features within CT datasets. When interpreted correctly—and combined with transparency and interaction—color maps improve understanding and communication without altering the data.

For a step-by-step demonstration of color map controls and best practices, watch the full tutorial video above.

For additional MyVGL Viewer tutorials, visit:
https://www.nelpretech.com/myvgl-tutorials