Abstract: The present invention provides a system for retrieving graphic data. The system stores a plurality of sets of three dimensional graphic data each defining a three dimensional shape. The system further stores sets of two dimensional contrast data each defining a plan contrast view of a corresponding three dimensional shape and/or a cross sectional area defined by the three dimensional graphic data. The sets of two dimensional contrast data and three dimensional graphic data are correlated by alphanumerically coded retrieval keys. Groups of the two dimensional graphic data can be displayed on a screen of CRT display unit as key images. When an operator selects one or more of the key images, the corresponding three dimensional graphic information is retrieved via the retrieval keys and displayed on the screen of the CRT.