1. A computer graphics visualization system for displaying a representation of a graphics model intersected by a surface on a two dimensional display device, the system operating on a computer system having a processor, storage means and a display device, the graphics model comprised of a plurality of polyhedral elements defined by a plurality of vertices each having coordinates in three-dimensional space and each having assigned at least one variable, the system comprising: means for grouping said polyhedral elements into a plurality of element zones based upon a first value associated with said surface; selection means for selecting a subset of zones; means for testing each of said polyhedral elements to determine whether or not said polyhedral element is intersected by said surface; means for generating coordinates and variable values for each intersection of said surface and said intersected elements; means for generating a two dimensional figure from said coordinates; and means for displaying said two dimensional figure on said display device.