3D Printed Terrain Models and Maps -- Current State of Technology and ChallengesMichael Higgins, Summit Terragraphics Inc. 3D-printing technology offers exciting possibilities for cartographers to create accurate full-color terrain models of their work. For areas with mountainous or complicated terrain features, producing a physical map with the precise 3D terrain shape makes for a valuable interpretation tool. 3D-printing allows a quick and accurate process for creating these terrain/map models, but it also has challenges and limitations. Since 2008 Summit Terragraphics has been using 3d-printed terrain models as molds for the thermoformed raised-relief map production process. And recently, Summit has offered full color, 3d-printed models for display in museums, visitor centers, and other applications. This presentation will look closely at the design, data requirements, data processing, and construction of a 3d-printed terrain model of the island of Kauai. Print resolution and vertical scaling issues will be addressed. Summit will bring a sample of this finished model to the presentation for show-and-tell.
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Generalizing Terrain Representations with Vector SumsPatrick Kennelly, Long Island UniversityGeneralizing terrain representations using shaded relief are challenging, with previous efforts focusing on two methods. The first approach involves filtering or modifying the original terrain data to make a more generalized elevation model. The second approach involves filtering or generalizing the values of gray on the shaded relief map itself. An alternative approach presented here is to use surface normal vectors that are first resolved into x, y, and z components and then summed within the kernel of a low-pass filter. In this manner, the orientations of these vectors used in relief shading and associated surfaces are adjusted independently of the elevation value. Results appear sharper than generalized terrain models that are shaded or generalized shaded relief maps when a kernel of the same dimension is used to calculate mean values.
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Practical and Impractical Uses of Terrain DataChris Henrick, Stamen Design
Seth Fitzsimmons, Director of Technology, Stamen Design
Alan McConchie, Lead Cartographer, Stamen Design
Stamen has been collecting, processing, and experimenting with worldwide digital elevation models (DEMs) for the past year, supported by a grant from the Knight Foundation. The primary output of this is the Open Terrain project, which aims to collect resources on how to process and work with DEMs and their derivatives using open source tools, and cloud-based and scale data pipelines. In this talk we'll demonstrate a few techniques to incorporate these components into your maps as well as discuss how we're using the Open Terrain data to add hillshades to HOT's humanitarian map style and to reboot our OSM-based classic Stamen Terrain style and deploy it worldwide. We'll also explore some impractical uses of DEMs that we've experimented with purely for their aesthetic value.
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Integrating 3D Data into Cartographic Design -
10 Minute TalkDavid McKittrick, Blue Marble GeographicsWith the increased availability of 3D data, our traditional two-dimensional, top-down view of the world is becoming somewhat obsolete. We now have access to data that provides an immersive perspective of the natural or man-made environment and inexpensive tools are being developed that allow us to fully utilize this data. In this presentation we will explore the procedure for transforming a simple XYZ file or a dense LiDAR point cloud into an accurate representation of the terrain. This gridded raster surface model is the basis for the creation of contour lines or a hillside pattern, both of which add an element of texture to any cartographic rendering. We will also demonstrate the process for creating a cutaway or cross-sectional view of the terrain as well as draping imagery or other map layers over the terrain model to create a uniquely realistic topographic perspective.
