Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modelingin the Digital Age

Lawrence Faulkner - Solid Terrain Modeling

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Executive Summary

• Solid Terrain Modeling (STM) produces physical, 3D models from digital data.

• Patented process used commercially by STM and licensed to US Govt through BAE Systems.

• Realistic, full-color terrain models in days, not weeks.

• Used for Operational Planning, Briefing/Debriefing, Training.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Executive Summary

• Model making service (unclassified) by STM in California. $500/square foot plus shipping.

• Can set up full production facility for local and classified production.– Labor, facility and equipment costs– Annual license fee– Scalable to suit need

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

STM’s Process

• Prepare the digital source data– Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

• Can be Stereo Photogrammetry, IF-SAR, LiDAR, any 3D source.

– Digital Orthophoto• Can be aerial, satellite, map or a combination.• Must be georeferenced and orthorectified.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

STM’s Process

• Cut the DEM from a solid block of foam

• Coat the surface with white primers

• Print the image on the surface

• Apply protective clear coating

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Cutting the model• Start Thursday• 15 hrs cut time

– 3 rough passes

– 1 detail pass• 20 meter DEM• 2x Vertical

Exaggeration

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Coating application…

• Start Friday• Dry and ready for

imaging on Saturday

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Printing…

• Start Saturday • 5 hr print time• 200 DPI TIFF

input image• Rendered at

720 DPI

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

A finished model

• Clear overcoat applied Monday

• Model shipped on Monday

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Education/TrainingFlight Obstruction Training

DEM: Airborne1 LiDAR

IMAGE: I.K. Curtis Orthophoto

MODEL SIZE: 32”x55”

MODEL SCALE: 2:1 vertical exaggeration

DATA ENGINEERING: EDAC/STM

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Examples

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Air Collision LitigationDEM: USGS 30 meter

IMAGE: I-CUBED 15 meter

MODEL SIZE: 31”x46”

DATA ENGINEERING: STM

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

This is just the half of it…

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Keep the Spatial in Geospatial

• Increasing quantity and complexity

• Context is crucial

• Make it easy to understand– Interpersonal Communications cannot be

sacrificed to Technology– Decisions are a collaborative agreement– Invite Participation

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Its all about communication

• Talk about issues, not how to read a topo map

• Use in conjunction with a computer generated fly-through to preserve perspective and context

• Needs no operator, anyone can tell their story using the model

• Get more use out of your GIS database!

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Decisions Decisions

• Group decisions require trust, respect and shared confidence

• Interpersonal dynamics should be maintained

• Data presentation should be as democratic as possible

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Activate the Model

• Geo-Referenced Data Projected onto the surface– Live position tracking– Video Feed– Simulation

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Airborne Infrared Sensor Data – “The Old Fire”

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Animated Rescue Scenario

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Detail of Previous Slide

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

Grand Challenge 2004 Live Vehicle Tracking

Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.

DARPA Grand Challenge 2005