AbstractThis paper gives a technical overview of the Winchester Graphics System. It concentrates on the software system, and in particular, the use of a relational database (PRTV). The main use of the system is in scientific research and it has been used a great deal in Chemistry, Biophysics and related sciences. However, the facilities are general and the same system is used for quite different applications. such as engineering and archaeology. This database has been found to provide researchers with a powerful flexible tool and has helped the UKSC to provide an environment where new ideas can be proposed and evaluated quickly and easily.