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Earthwalk USALargest walkable relief

map in the universeExplore the adventure of America’s landscapes...

The National Scenic Visitors CenterProject Scope and Development Portfolio / 501(c)3 Non-profit organization

The Vision

The National Scenic Visitors Center 501(c)3 was founded to lay the

groundwork for a map project like no other. Our vision is to create a tactile,

immersive experience that reveals the extraordinary breadth, fascinating

history, and remarkable physical nature of the United States from a bold

new perspective. The centerpiece of our facility is the largest walkable relief

map in the universe. Our goal is to facilitate learning, stimulate adventure,

and champion stewardship of the land, water and air.

The centerpiece of the NSVC is earthwalk USA, a 100 yard long

3-dimensional map of America that is designed to be walked on.

Visitors can stroll across grasslands, step over mountain ranges,

and pause at the continental divide.

The NSVC will offer educational programs for all grade levels,

covering science, history, and current topics. Digital technology

will be used to project imagery directly onto the map, augmented by

other sensory effects. Students will see, for example, the journey of

Lewis and Clark– brought to life with color, sound and light.

The National Scenic Visitors Center will be America’s first stop–

the gateway to understanding the full breadth of our nation’s geophysical

and revolutionary histories. A place where our natural landmarks can be

appreciated on a truly grand scale. And the starting point for planning

the adventure of a lifetime.

Prepare your mind for a new scale of experience and adventure...

• Scenerama simulations puts viewers ‘inside’ each state’s premier scenery

• Travel information including maps, brochures, guides and more

• Authentic we-were-born-there hosts reveal ‘state secrets’

• Live high definition real-time video from state scenic highlights

• Wall and floor overview maps highlighting main roads and natural features

Staterooms

• Earthwalk USA - a 100 yard long physical relief map of the contiguous United states - walkable

• Physical relief maps of Alaska and Hawaii in correct geospatial relation to interior map - walkable

• Fifty State Rooms highlighting scenic features of each state and packed with travelers information

• Four National Park rooms showcasing America’s most magnificent and compelling scenic attractions

• Educational presentations displayed into the map covering geology, climate, history and more

Main attractions

• America’s General Store includes books, maps, clothing, media & more

• Dining area features unique food from every state

• Acres of outside grounds for walking, including picnic areas and riverfront trails

• National wilderness art gallery

• Auditorium seating for presentations and student field trips

Around the NSVC

The National Scenic Visitors Center • Earthwalk USAShowcasing the beauty and wonder of America’s landscapes

Earthwalk USAIn a singular experience, travelers from across the world step into a wealth of first-hand knowledge about the American landscape.

Plan tripsVisitors planning a trek across the U.S. walk travel routes, establish itineraries, estimate mileage, chart a course- all underneath their very feet.

Experience the physical landscapeThe undulating heartland, the mountain ridges, the tidal flats and rocky canyons– here they are more than photographs, maps, or charts.

Parks, lodging, & camping Each state has the opportunity to entice travelers by showcasing their attractions, from scenery and landmarks to camping and wilderness areas.

Children and learningEducation is a prime mission of the NSVC, where science, history, and ecological awareness come to life in unique, unprecedented ways.

Careers in the outdoorsOur country offers a myriad of professional outdoor careers and work opportunities. The NSVC is a place to learn about them.

Art galleryA prestigious annual art show has a permanent home in the NSVC.

Environmental tourismEcological awareness will continue to grow as the world faces important environmental issues. These topics are central to the NSVC teaching mission.

Reduced maintenanceNot an amusement park, the attractions here require less moving parts, reducing maintenance and other related costs.

Green building constructionWith green building protocols established at the outset, the NSVC embodies its mission responsibly, while engendering appreciation for the natural world.

Overview

Dining and

General Store

AlaskaMap

West Entrance

Entrance Road

Walkways

Hawaii Map

Balcony

Art Gallery

Administration

World’s Largest

Compass

East Entrance

NSVC - Earthwalk USA & Exhibit rooms featuring 50 states and 4 national parks

ALABAMA

ALASKA

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

YELLOWSTONE National Park

CONNECTICUTDELAW

AREFLORIDA

GEORGIA

HAWAII

IDAH

O

ILLI

NOIS

INDI

ANA

IOW

A

KANS

ASKE

NTUC

KYLO

UISI

ANA

MAINE

MARYLAND

MASSACHUSETTS

ACADIA National Park

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

MONTANANEBRASKANEVADANEW HAMPSHIRENEW JERSEYNEW MEXICO

NEW YORK

GRAND CANYON National Park

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTAOHIO

OKLAHOMA

OREG

ON

PENN

SYVA

NIA

RHOD

E IS

LAND

SOUT

H CA

ROLI

NA

SOUT

H DA

KOTATENNESSEE

YOSE

MITE N

atio

nal P

ark

TEXAS

UTAHVERMONTVIRGINIA

WASHINGTONWEST VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

WYOMING

Education, tourism & amazement – fast facts

Walk 100 yards from the tip of Maine to the coast of CaliforniaThe physical relief map – earthwalk USA – is meant to be walked on. Kids can climb the peaks and adults stand on the flatlands. Many areas provide access to patrons with disabilities. The map will contain 3-dimensional elevation changes and contours, and show major roads, airports, railways, towns and villages. It will note scenic areas, national and state parks, and other important points of interest. Alaska and Hawaii are situated in correct geospatial position relative to the ‘lower 48’, and also correctly aligned to true north.

Grand scale: 1:6,250,000 or one inch = one mileThe map of the contiguous United States featured under the indoor dome is as long as a football field. When you stand on it, or crouch down, you’ll note the precise detail afforded by the scale of one inch equals a mile. Note that height will be exaggerated: the mountain ridges crest at your knees, and the valleys drop under them. Without exaggeration, the Rocky Mountains would top out at 3-4 inches – and the Grand Canyon would be one inch deep!

The composite surfaceThe surface as planned will be hard enough to tolerate soft shoes, soft enough to minimize injury from spills. The NSVC will recommend sneakers or similar kinds of shoes for use on the relief maps.

Geoshows transform the experience into one more dimension Beneath the map is a seamless digital display, which can be programmed to reveal everything from atmospheric pressure to Lewis & Clarks’ famed journey up the Missouri. Auditorium seating on the balcony provides a uniquely literal bird’s eye view of America across a spectrum of geological, historical, environmental, and civic eras. In addition, the NSVC map may be rigged for physical or holographic effects: to shoot steam from certain famous geysers, expel smoke from certain famous volcanos, and glimmer with the nighttime lights of certain famous cities.

AlaskaAlaska, the largest state, is positioned as a spectacular gateway for first time visitorsThe largest of America’s states occupies a preeminent position on the grounds of the National Scenic Visitors Center– it’s the first opportunity for guests to experience the amazement of stepping on to a giant-size physical recreation.

Denali National Park, the Yukon River, the Alaskan pipeline, the Aleutian Islands; all revealed in fascinating detail.

HawaiiHawaii, the last state, is recreated inside a pool of water, suitable for wading in appropriate weatherThe re-creation of Hawaii is designed so that – in summer weather and with suitable shoes– visitors can step into the 3 inch deep water and circumnavigate the seven islands. Visitors study Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the volcanic peaks of the main island.

Hawaii and Alaska are positioned outside the main building, but sized in correct proportion and geospatial position relative to the map of the mainland inside.

DOMESBoth states would incorporate retractable domes in the advent of inclement weather

Environment The Earthwalk USA map is an important forum for environmental information. Dynamic presentations allow visitors to witness how acid rain is blighting forests, where runoff is affecting rivers, and how efforts to stem environmental stress can help.

ClimateMeteorological data can be presented in real time, much like broad-cast weather forecasts. Animated graphics tell the story of pressure systems stirring over inland lakes, precipitation rising over mountain ranges, and rain falling on cities and farms.

IndustryIndustry is America’s heartbeat– its pulse revealed over the main floor map through fact-filled visual animations and data overlays. See in a glance where businesses are located, what they do, and where products and services are nationally and internationally dispersed.

TransportationAmerica is a complex interconnected network of roads, railways, waterways and airports. The Earthwalk map reveals timelines, schedule databases, passengers carried and freight delivered.

EffectsAlong with ‘real’ mountains and valleys, the NSVC features staged physical and holographic effects such as simulated eruptions of Mt. St. Helens, clouds over the heartland, snow squalls in New England, and hurricanes off the coasts.

Earthwalk USA... the largest walkable relief map in the universeExplore America in a 100 yard long adventure featuring mountains, plains, rivers and towns.

GroundsThe NSVC grounds are available for strolling, picnicking, and relaxing. Venues such as the Hawaii Dome may be rented for corporate events and weddings.

Disabled access Many areas are wheelchair accessible. Some physical map features will be inappropriate for wheelchair use, but flat areas in the middle of the map will be navigable.

General Store / Art galleryVisitors will exit through a General Store nd Art gallery, containing a wide variety of educational, travel and outdoor adventure related goods.

History Where did Native Americans live in pre-European times? What were the routes of the pioneers across the continent? How did the railroads progress– where did they falter, where did they connect?

See a nation born.

Cities & townsOur country’s lands, skies, and waters are all but endless– but it’s our cities, towns and villages that most Americans call home. Comprehensive mapping graphics overlay the physical relief, allowing guests to walk to their own addresses, and see in geographical context just where they live.

AgricultureWhat do we eat, where do we grow it, how far does it travel to get to table? Farmlands and nurseries cover a vast swath of the continent. See how the land feeds us. Learn the variety of our soils, the hours of our sunshine, and the inches of our rainfall.

GeologyBeneath our topsoil is a myriad of minerals - sandstone, shale, and basalt, seams of coal, veins of silver, copper, and gold, and many gemstones, including sapphire, emerald, amethyst, turquoise, and pearls. The Earthwalk USA map reveals where these minerals are and how we use them.

Night & dayAt scheduled intervals, night comes to the interior of the NSVC. Lights glow under cities, illuminating the country as twilight fades. This artificial night is extended for a brief interval before the ‘daylight’ returns, allowing visitors to experience America under sun and moon.

360º BalconyThe encircling balcony is wheelchair accessible and provides hideaway auditorium seating for group presentations.

Composite surfacesThe map and its periphery have durable, wear-resistant surfaces. Under the Map

Beneath the main map, engineers and technicians operate the facility. Map sections are refurbished or replaced during off-hours.

Earthwalk USA... the largest walkable relief map in the universeExplore America in a 100 yard long adventure featuring mountains, plains, rivers and towns.

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Earthwalk USALargest walkable relief

map in the universe

State roomsThe State Rooms are 50 in number, and feature-rich with information for the intrepid travelerMapping out the best of each state is challenging; there’s much to choose from. From detailed exhibits on scenic highlights, to practical traveler’s guides, to in-room hosts who answer any query, the state rooms never quite rest their case.

The far wall is set with long, high windows made of a purpose designed transparent material. Behind them, a ‘life-size’ diorama of each state’s most compelling natural feature is revealed. Because of intentional line-of-sight limitations, no wall, floor, or ceiling seams are visible to viewers. A combination of 3D sculpted surroundings, wide-screen moving photographic recreations, and sound and lighting effects are used to make the viewing as realistic as possible. It’s called Scenerama.

In the Wyoming State Room, Old Faithful roars to life with sound and fury, a thrilling testament to the geyser’s actual glory (erupting every 90 minutes or so, timed to match real eruptions taking place at Yellowstone National Park). In Rhode Island, high tide breaks against the cliffs around Newport. In Arkansas, the beauty of the Ozark Mountains rears against the colors of fall. And in Oregon, the rain forest drips onto the lush floor, where reptiles lurk in somnambulant repose, waiting for lunch.

Wall size wrap-around plasma screenThe back wall surface is a curved plasma screen that uses high definition video footage as scenery. Clouds drift overhead, birds fly past, leaves flutter in a breeze.

Center dioramaThis display showcases terrain up close in a 3D holographic tour.

State hostIn each State Room a state-born host is present to answer questions and disseminate travel information.

Diorama windowsCarefully managed line-of-sight prevents onlookers from seeing seams on floors, ceilings, and walls.

Feature diorama - Scenerama3D physical effects are augmented by moving air, flowing water, and changing light conditions. Each diorama showcases one of the state’s most famous natural features.

Tourist take-home resourcesFree resources for state travelers include maps, and pertinent information about lodging and eating. Exhibits and objects

A diverse variety of items is presented, including geology specimens, handmade items, recorded sounds, and historic documents.

State mapThe map of each state is imprinted into the floor.

Wall size wrap-around plasma screenThe back wall surface is a curved plasma screen that uses high definition video footage as scenery. Clouds drift overhead, birds fly past, leaves flutter in a breeze.

Diorama windows Carefully managed line-of-sight prevents onlookers from seeing seams on floors, ceilings, and walls.

Feature diorama - Scenerama3D physical effects are augmented by moving air, flowing water, and changing light conditions. Each diorama showcases one of the park’s most famous natural features.

Exhibits and objectsA diverse variety of items is presented,

showcasing aspects of park history, flora and fauna, geology, and notable attractions.

National park roomsFour National Park rooms give visitors the big picture about these scenic gemsThe National Park rooms will feature regularly-changing exhibits. Every year, each room features a different park. Alternating the featured parks helps promote lesser known parks, as well as national treasures such as Yellowstone, Acadia, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. .

As in the State Rooms, the far wall is set with long, high windows made of a purpose-designed material. Behind them is a‘life-size’ diorama of each park’s most compelling natural feature. Because of the line-of-sight design, wall, floor, and ceiling seams are invisible to viewers. A combination of 3D sculpted surroundings, wide-screen moving photographic recreations, and sound and lighting effects make the viewing as realistic as possible. In addition, mural-size park webcams can showcase live moments from the parks – wildlife, wilderness, and wonder in real time. It’s called Scenerama.

Center dioramaThis display showcases terrain up close

in a 3D holographic tour. the state.

Tourist take-home resourcesFree resources for travelers includes map,

and other pertinent information about lodging, dining, and camping.

Park RangerIn each National Park Room an NPS employeeis present to answer questions and disseminate travel information.

Park mapA map of the park is

imprinted into the floor.

EducationSchool year activitiesThroughout the year, the NSVC hosts school and other tour groups, offering a mix of science, history, and current educational topics. Moderators use Geoshow effects technology to custom design educational events that teach, inspire, and entertain.

Example presentationA middle school tour group arrives in the morning and enters the grounds of the National Scenic Visitors Center. The visiting children enjoy the sunlight as they elbow past each other to the top of Mt. McKinley, highest peak in the United States, in Denali National Park, Alaska. Here. it is about 4 feet tall, a bit safer for less experienced, 8 year old mountain climbers, but a thrilling destination nonetheless. Others are splashing around near Hawaii’s Big Island, shouting that they’ve found the volcanos, and the great astronomy observatories, and there’s Pearl Harbor, and even the place where their Aunt Victoria lives.

Time for the main event, a walk across America. The children bustle in, hushed in their growing expectation, now realized as the full breadth of the continent rolls away towards the far wall. They scramble and hop, delighting in the familiar and the legendary, the ups and downs, roads, rivers, greens, browns and blues Next, the group is ushered to the upstairs balcony, where they take their places in auditorium seating. The house lights go down: Geoshow technology takes over. Music and narration augment the graphics, that detail a part of American history, or an aspect of science, or any number of appropriate, dynamically presented topics.

The day ends with a trip to the dining area and walk through the General Store, before the bus is brought around for the ride home. Visitors take home much more than a ticket stub, with a new way of experiencing America carried into their tomorrows.

The LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION - A Geoshow productionProjecting dynamic graphics directly onto the map allows visitors to follow the route taken by explorers Lewis & Clark across the American northwest.Geoshow technology also uses lights and colors generated from beneath the map. Above, the map reveals eco-regions of the landscape, providing visitors with a clearer idea of the kinds of terrain navigated by Lewis & Clark.

Expedition Ecological Regions

StopsPreparationRecruitmentTrailStates

Mixed Wood ShieldAtlantic HighlandsWestern CordilleraMarine West Coast ForestMixed Wood PlainsCentral US plainsSoutheastern US Plains

OzarkMississippi Alluvial / Coastal PlainsTemperate PlainsWest Central Semi-arid PrairiesSouth Central Semi-arid PrairiesTexas-Louisiana Coastal PlainTamaulipas Texas Semi-arid Plain

Western Interior Basins and RangesSonoran and Mohave DesertsChihuahuan DesertMediterranean CaliforniaWestern Sierra Madre PiedmontUpper Gila MountainsEverglades

Big ideasDigital recreationThe digital effects used in Geoshow presentations are generated from within the floor of the physical maps. Visual effects are designed by NSVC development teams and offer real-time content activity to augment pre-designed lessons.

Wear & tearThe interior and exterior maps are designed to handle wear and tear from the footsteps of thousands of visitors, including running children, and seniors with canes. (A highly durable composite will be developed for this purpose.) In addition, the NSVC provides guidelines for walking on the maps. Map components are refitted during off-hours from beneath the main room.

Updating contentThe continent and nation is continuously evolving: keeping up to date with transportation changes, noting geophysical events, and developing new content is an important part of the NSVC mission. The National Park rooms introduce new, different parks throughout a yearly cycle. State Rooms provide travel updates for those about to head across the country.

Proposal & action

Market areaThe NSVC will draw from a national and international base of prospective visitors. It will be positioned as a first-stop destination for planning a U.S. vacation. It will create a multi-faceted ‘buzz’ throughout the region where it is located, boosting economies, and positively impacting nearby communities and ancillary industries such as hotels and restaurants. Educational and other cooperative programs will secure school-age visitors throughout the calendar year. An ideal location would be near Washington D.C. Other locations are also tenable.

OperationThe Visitors Center is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which will lease property from the appropriate municipalities and regional governments. The Visitors Center will have a professional staff, overseen by a Board of Trustees and historical, scientific, and technical advisory organizations.

Capital budgetEstimated costs for the creation of the National Scenic Visitors Center are still in formation. Costs would include acquisition of property, construction of the main dome building and attached store, food services, and administrative areas, construction of grounds, parking areas, and service roads, development and production of relief maps, and development and implementation of Geoshow effects throughout facility.

Operating budgetRevenue sourcesPrincipal sources of income will be admission fees, ticket sales from Geoshow presentations, retail sales from the store, food and beverage services, parking fees, annual donations from corporate and individual NSVC members, funding through state contributions, government subsidies, and contributions from organizations and foundations whose missions can be augmented by association with the NSVC.

Operating costsOperating costs will include staff salaries and benefits, maintenance of interior and exterior features and grounds, technology, education and exhibit development costs, marketing and promotion, store and food services supplies and merchandise, administrative, insurance and security costs.

FinancingA mix of private and public funding will be solicited to bring the NSVC from concept to opening day. Public funds will include possible use of monies earmarked for environmental tourism at the regional, state, or local level. Because the NSVC can impact tourism across the country, states can compete for attention from a captive national and international audience. Funding their rooms generously will help facilitate a good response from potential visitors to their state.

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Earthwalk USALargest walkable relief

map in the universe

The National Scenic Visitors Centerwww.nsvc.us | earthwalk@nsvc.us

© Copyright 2016 The National Scenic Visitors Center Non-Profit 501(c)3. Architectural computer renderings courtesy of CADnetics, Inc. of Pittsburgh PA.

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Earthwalk USALargest walkable relief

map in the universe The National Scenic Visitors Center • Earthwalk USA

Discover America by walking the largest relief map in the universe

Matt Kambic ~ mkambic@nsvc.us • Mary Ellen Snyder ~ mesnyder@nsvc.us