Digital visualization in architecture and systematic analysis of applications

The use of visualization in architecture is as old as the history of architecture. Expression of ideas in architecture is based on visual quality and materialized with visualization techniques. The use of digital visualization gained importance in the field of architecture, parallel to the developments in computer, information and communication technologies in recent years. The use of digital media, in comparison with analog techniques, offers important advantages for architects which hasn?t been provided before. While analog techniques are still being used, digital visualization techniques are being preferred more day by day. Today, digital visualizations are being used in many fields of architecture for different purposes. However, the decisions of visualization technique or extents of interaction during the output process of many digital visuals are not based on theoretical ground.Digital visualizations produced for different purposes are diversified with the visualization techniques, visualization media, interaction, interface design, presentation and sharing media components. This diversity is another indicator that a systematic analysis for the digital visualization process and the characteristic of visual products is necessary. Aim of this research is to systematize the concept of digital visualization by analysing diversified digital visualization products. Due to the aim of this thesis, educational, presentational, design and application-purpose digital visualization studies produced in this field, are examined.With this research, creating a ground by examining the basis of digital visualization studies being produced in the field of architecture, is aimed, to support the development of future digital visualization qualities. Within the extents of the systematic analysis, factors that affect the visualization techniques, visualization media, interaction, interface design, presentation and sharing media of the digitally produced visuals, are determined.In this way, the production of the new digital visuals are predicted to be more effective, systematic and qualified. In order to produce more systematic digital visiualizations, choices about visualization techniques and media, interaction, interface design, presentation and sharing media must be based on a theoretical ground. This is the only way to block the intuitive approaches.