Abstract: A method of non-invasively evaluating how sealing elements will perform under compression between two adjacent structures which involves obtaining and manipulating three dimensional images of opposed surfaces of the adjacent structures so as to create an image that shows how a sealing element is compressed between the adjacent structures, which image is otherwise concealed. The performance of the sealing element can be evaluated by included an image of the seal configuration and information as to the properties of the material from which the sealing element is made. The evaluation can be used in the designing or redesigning of sealing elements.