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The Integrated Data Viewer (IDV) version 6.0 is now available. This release features a new grid coverage data type that eases the process of creating spatial subsets that cross grid boundaries, enhancements to the IDV's volume rendering engine, and improvements to the quality of images captured from the display. Under-the-hood improvements include a switch to the OpenJDK Java libraries and updated software certificates. In addition, this release includes updates to existing features and incorporates the latest netCDF-Java library.
Easier Cross-boundary Subsetting
The IDV's Grid Coverage data type now makes it easier to perform spatial subsetting across the edge boundaries of a cyclic rectilinear grid. When creating a spatial subset of the selected grid on the Spatial Subset tab of the Data Source Properties or the Field Selector, a new "Flip Map Longitude" button at the bottom of the panel allows you to "flip" the longitudes in a cyclic rectilinear grid from 0/360 to -180/180 (or vice-versa) before performing the cross boundary spatial subset.
For an example using the new spatial subsetting features, see Cross Boundary Subset in the IDV User's Guide.
Enhanced Volume Rendering
The IDV's volume rendering display has been enhanced to apply linear 3D re-sampling and a stack 2D algorithm. This results in greater definition and texture in volume rendering displays.
Improved Image Capture Quality
The IDV now uses the Java Canvas3D "OffScreenRendering" method to improve the image quality when capturing the display area. The IDV still uses the older rendering method full window images that include the IDV legend.
When capturing an animated image/movie, the base image format is now PNG rather than JPEG.
Switch to OpenJDK
In previous releases, the IDV incorporated Java packages supplied by Oracle. Following Oracle's decision to end free update releases to its Java distributions, the IDV project has officially transitioned from using Oracle's JDK to the AdoptOpenJDK, which receives support from the Open Source community. The AdoptOpenJDK provides prebuilt binaries from OpenJDK class libraries. All AdoptOpenJDK binaries and scripts are open source licensed and available for free. IDV 6.0 incorporates AdoptOpenJDK version 1.8.0_282.
Software Certificates and Notarization
Java Webstart, Windows application, and MacOS certificates have been renewed and will be valid until at least May 30, 2024 (the MacOS certificate is valid until 2024). The IDV MacOS installer has been notarized by Apple and will run without warnings.
Additional Information
See the Release Notes for additional information.
IDV 6.0 can be downloaded from: https://www.unidata.ucar.edu/downloads/idv/current/
