Raised-relief map

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For the depiction of terrain on flat paper maps, see cartographic relief depiction.

A raised-relief map or terrain model is a three-dimensional representation, usually of terrain. When representing terrain, the elevation dimension is usually exaggerated by a factor between five and ten; this facilitates the visual recognition of terrain features.

One of the first terrain maps created in history was the one made by Shen Kuo (1031–1095), a polymathic Chinese scientist and statesman of the Song Dynasty.

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[edit] Construction

Starting with a topographic map one can cut out from some sheet material successive layers, with edges following the contour lines on the map. These may be assembled in a stack to obtain a rough approximation of the terrain. This method, without vertical exaggeration, is commonly used as the base for architectural models. For models of landforms, the stack will then be smoothed by filling with some material. This may then used directly or for greater durability a mold may be made from this. This mold may then be used to produce a plaster model.

[edit] Vacuum formed models

By using automated machinery a topographic model may be made by cutting a form with a numerically controlled mill guided by interpretation of the data used to produce a topographic map, The map may then be printed on a sheet of thermoplastic, which is then heated and drawn over the master. Vacuum is then applied to draw the soft plastic into the shape of the form. Such maps are commonly available in specialty map stores.

[edit] Non-terrain applications

For appropriate mathematical functions and especially for certain types of statistics, a similar model may be constructed as an aid to understanding a function or as an aid to studying the statistical data.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links


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