Developer's Training Week for Visualization and Data Processing

Dates: November 3-6, 2008
Location: Clifton Park, NY

The course will cover the Visualization Toolkit (VTK: a C++ class library of visualization and data processing algorithms), ParaView (an end-user application focused on large data visualization), the Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit (ITK: a C++ class library for image processing, segmentation, and registration), and CMake (a cross-platform software build management tool). The course is a hands-on experience that is suitable for both new users of these open source projects as well as more advanced developers. Some basic knowledge of C++ programming is recommended.

As an added bonus, this year the VTK course will be split into two tracks: Beginner and Advanced. Users who have taken the VTK course in the past are encouraged to attend the Advanced VTK track to learn new skills and functionalities that haven't been covered in previous VTK trainings.

Developer's Training Week is a great opportunity to meet some of the key contributors to these open-source projects as well as other users in the open source community.

As a course attendee, you will receive:
  • Books and course notes for the sessions you attend
  • Lunch and snacks daily
  • A dinner reception on Monday and Wednesday evening

The week will be divided into full day segments based on course length. Attendees can customize their experience by selecting specific courses to attend based on their individual needs. No prior experience is necessary; however, attendees are expected to have basic knowledge of C or C++ in order to fully participate in the interactive exercises.

Kitware courses incorporate both technical presentations and practical exercises designed to reinforce learning. For an optimal learning experience each attendee should bring their own laptop computer to the courses. Approximately two weeks before the courses, attendees will receive detailed instructions on how to download, install and test all necessary software on their laptop computer. A limited number of course computers are available for attendees who are unable to bring one.

Open Source Projects

VTK logo The Visualization ToolKit (VTK) is an open-source, freely available software system for 3D computer graphics, image processing, and visualization. VTK 5.2 will be used for the course. See http://www.vtk.org for more information about VTK.
CMake logo CMake is a cross-platform, open-source make system. It controls the software compilation process using simple platform- and compiler-independent configuration files. CMake 2.6 will be used for the course. See http://www.cmake.org for more information about CMake.
ParaView logo ParaView is an open-source, multi-platform application designed to visualize data sets of widely varying sizes. ParaView supports distributed computation models to process large data sets. Its architecture, based on open standards, is intended to be extensible. ParaView 3.4 will be used for the course. See http://www.paraview.org for more information about ParaView.
ITK logo The Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit (ITK) is an open-source software system for image processing, segmentation, and registration in two, three, or more dimensions. ITK 3.8 will be used for the course. See http://www.itk.org for more information about ITK.

Course Outline

Day Time Topics
Monday
AM
Overview: Intro to VTK, CMake, ITK, ParaView and their communities.
Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday
PM
AM
PM
Beginner VTK: Pipeline mechanism, rendering subsystem, detailed visualization examples.
Advanced VTK: Filter writing, interaction, widgets, time, multi-block data, infovis, parallel processing.
Wednesday
AM
CMake: The CMake / CTest / CDash software process

Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday

PM
AM
PM
ITK: Architecture, segmentation, registration, interfacing to VTK, integrating ITK into existing applications.
ParaView: Application overview, desktop and cluster environments, developing advanced custom extensions.

Registration and Pricing Information

Prior to September 30: $750 /day or $2500 for all four (4) days
After September 30: $900 /day or $3000 for all four (4) days
Discounts for students and groups available. Contact Kitware for more information.

Attendee Cancellation and Substitution Policy

Cancellations: Kitware will refund 100% of the registration fee for cancellations received, in writing, more than ten (10) business days prior to the first day of the training course. Cancellations made or received ten (10) business days or less before the start of a training course will not receive a refund. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for special circumstances, emergencies, or medical problems.

Substitutions: You may transfer your registration in its entirety to another person, with approval from Kitware. Transfer requests must be made in writing prior to the start of the course. Any transfer request made ten (10) business days or less prior to the first day of the training courses will be subject to a $200 substitution fee.

Cancellations and substitutions must be submitted to Kitware either by fax to (518) 371-3971 or by email to courses@kitware.com to ensure a timely delivery. Expect confirmation from Kitware within two (2) business days.

Location Information

Framed by the scenic Adirondack Mountains the Capital Region has many historic sites, fabulous attractions, world-class museums, and delicious restaurants for visitors to enjoy. The course will be held at the Comfort Suites Inn, Clifton Park. Located just 20 minutes north of Albany and 20 minutes south of Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park is close to all the Capital Region's amenities and attractions.

Contact Information

For additional information, please email courses@kitware.com, or call Kitware at (518) 371-3971.