Abstract: Method and apparatus provides for simulating digital holographic data on a desktop computer. In one aspect, an approximation of substantially accurate pixel intensities is achieved by collapsing three-dimensional data onto a two-dimensional view, without the need for constructing complex summations of fringe patterns. A power function is applied to each voxels in the data set. The values for a particular x, y coordinate are then summed along the z axis, with the resultant sum value being stored in a sum buffer for all values of x and y. The maximum value of the sum buffer is determined, then the sum buffer values are normalized by this maximum value. Finally, an inverse power function is applied to the normalized sum, then the results are scaled over the range of values of the output buffer. Consequently, the operator is able to view in real time, simulations of a single view of a hologram created from the selected parameters.