Abstract
Physical Modeling in a Digital Age
Track: Modeling
Author
The momentum of digital geospatial data collection combined with fast network delivery, cheap computer memory, storage and powerful processors point to a future of virtual landscapes, fly-throughs and synthetic environments. Data presentation through a computer screen will certainly play an increasingly important role; however, in spite of these factors and indeed, because of them, some interesting results have emerged from the rapid prototyping technologies when applied to geospatial data.
In the 17th century, the French launched a program to model all the fortified cities on their borders. The program lasted from 1668 to 1870 and was discontinued, not because the models failed to communicate effectively, but because the strategy of closed towns as national defense was abandoned in the face of 'modern' warfare.
The question remains "Are there advantages to physical data presentation?" and if so, what are they? What situations justify the time, expense and space required?
Lawrence Faulkner
Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc.
340 Fillmore Street
Fillmore, California 93015
United States
Phone: (805) 524-7307
Fax: (805) 524-1973
E-mail: lfaulkner@stm-usa.com