FILLMORE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2003--Solid Terrain
Modeling (STM), manufacturer of the world's most accurate 3-D solid
terrain models, said it is building a 4-foot by 31-foot 3-D solid
terrain model of the Hudson River and surrounding areas. The model is
being commissioned by the Hudson River Museum and coordinated by New
York design firm, DMCD, and will be the centerpiece of its Hudson
Riverama museum exhibition. The exhibition will open in February at
the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, New York. RH Guest is fabricating
the exhibit.
James Hollingsworth, project designer for DMCD, said, "Like
dioramas, topographic models have long been used in natural history
exhibitions to engage visitors with three-dimensional renderings of
the natural world. The model of the Hudson River and its surrounding
regions will differ from traditional topographic models in that it is
highly accurate, rather than impressionistic. Imagery generated by a
range of contemporary scientific technologies will allow us to present
different 'windows' on the river."
The 31-foot-long model is to scale in length and has a 3x vertical
exaggeration. The form of the model is generated from the latest USGS
topographic data. Its contours are cut by computer, using a fine grid
with exact elevation points. Most of the imagery and color on the
model comes from eight-meter USGS DOQQs overlaid with Landsat 7
satellite imagery. Numerous features on the model are magnified to a
higher resolution to aid interpretation.
Hollingsworth added, "Other aerial photography and satellite
sources in natural color or color infrared are used for the magnified
images. In addition to this imagery, the model will incorporate images
generated by other sources, including geophysics data, bathymetry
data, and USGS DRG data. Images were chosen to enhance the exhibit
content. All of these images will be geo-referenced, located and
registered accurately to one another. Equally as important, each will
be located exactly to the three-dimensional topographic form of the
model."
Lawrence Faulkner, STM president, said, "This model is the longest
ever produced of the Hudson River. It is the visual and interpretive
centerpiece of the exhibition and we are looking forward to seeing it
installed."
About STM Models
STM produces the world's most accurate, full-color, 3-D solid
models of geographic terrain. STM models provide a level of
comprehension not found in any other mapping technology. People can
gather around an STM model and view it from any angle. They can
discuss it, touch it, and point to specific features on it. As they
do, everyone in the group "gets" it -- the scale, distances, terrain,
coloration, points of view, sight lines and more.
To produce a model, STM uses digital elevation and imagery data
for the selected geographic area. The elevation data controls STM's
highly calibrated cutting machine as it carves the model into
high-density plastic foam. Then, STM's printing machine applies the
image data directly onto the model's surface. The result is an exact
replica of the geographic area -- in breathtaking detail, and in
brilliant color.
Seventeen STM models are now on display at the National Geographic
Society's Explorers Hall museum in Washington, DC.
Solid Terrain Modeling 340 Fillmore St., Fillmore, CA 93015 805-524-7307 Fax: 805-524-1973 www.stm-usa.com
CONTACT: Solid Terrain Modeling Gary James, 661-821-9040 Email Contact or DMCD, Inc. James Hollingsworth, 212-268-5450 Email Contact or The Hudson River Museum Linda Locke, 914-963-4550 ext.128 Email Contact or Darryl Lloyd, Inc. (for STM) Darryl Lloyd, 805-499-0562 Email Contact