Abstract
The research presented in this paper proposes a method for the development of photorealistic, physical terrain models using full-color 3D printing, along with an efficiency assessment (i.e., cartographic correctness). The rapid development of 3D printing technology in recent years has caused a growth in the number of solutions allowing the automatic or semi-automatic generation of digital terrain representations that can be then 3D printed. Unfortunately, most of these solutions do not consider cartographic principles and their products cannot be referred to as 3D maps. The methodology proposed in this paper takes into account issues related to proper cartographic design, so that highly reliable models can be created. The main challenges identified during the research include choosing the optimal pixel size for Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation, which is used for landform representation, and integrating raster and vector data. Printing accuracy assessment is of high importance and, thus, a method for its implementation has been proposed. In order to verify the usability of the proposed methodology, the natural heritage site of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, in the Tatra Mountains, Poland, has been chosen as the case study area. The results suggest that the proposed methodology can be successfully used for the preparation of highly accurate 3D maps that can be used for natural heritage documentation, promotion and visualization, as well as for the purposes of spatial planning and education.
Highlights
For many people, reading maps that are an abstract representation of reality is complicated
Taking the above into consideration, this article aims to propose a method for the development of a photorealistic terrain model of an alpine natural heritage site with the use of full-color 3D printing that involves raster and vector data integration, as well as a method for the assessment of production correctness
Our realistic 3D model developed with the use of 3D printers is the step in the reconstruction of tangible cultural heritage
Summary
For many people, reading maps that are an abstract representation of reality is complicated. A correct 3D model allows transmitting the cartographic message more efficiently than a regular map [1]. This is thanks to the fact that 3D models require only a slight movement of either point of view, or the model itself to solve many viewing issues true for 2D representations. Fabrikant, and Çöltekin [2] showed that people trust realistic displays more than their less realistic alternatives. Such beliefs are often explained on the basis of reasoning that representing objects as realistically as possible enables a more intuitive recognition of these objects’ features [3,4,5]
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