[en] Shaded surface images have the ability to display three-dimensional information in two-dimensional form. They can therefore be produced on conventional displays, and allow hard copies to be obtained. However, they do not include information about inhomogeneities beneath the displayed surface. A technique has been described for the production of shaded surface images, and simple procedures such as slicing and complementing have been shown to overcome some of the limitations of surface displays. It is suggested that this form of display may be a useful adjunct to conventional displays, especially for complex 3D distributions. The method has been illustrated with reference to radionuclide tomography (ECAT) but could be applied to the data from any tomographic imaging modality. Examples of liver and spleen, lung perfusion, and brain scans are presented. (U.K.)