In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a real-time 3D visualization system. The system includes means for conveying electromagnetic energy emanating from one or more 3D surfaces including a scene and means for sensing spatial phase characteristics of the electromagnetic energy as the configuration of the 3D surfaces relative to the system changes. The system includes means for creating a 3D scene model utilizing the spatial phase characteristics sensed in a plurality of configurations and means for displaying the 3D scene model in real-time. The means for displaying includes means for synthesizing depth cues.