Background
Topographic maps usually use contour lines to represent the amount of variation in elevation and slope in a particular area. However, contour lines are not a particularly intuitive method of representation for such variations. Using SLS or FDM to map a ski slope or a hiking trail could allow for a three dimensional topographic map that is intuitive and easily accessible.
This type of map can be used as an educational tool. In the classroom, students will be intrigued by this detailed map rather than put off by its two-dimensional alternative. These maps also have broader applications in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities, including city-wide navigation and bus routes. Furthermore, 3D-printed maps can be used as an inexpensive tool in urban development planning.
Objectives
- Create a three-dimensional map of Jackson Hole Ski Trail Map, and develop a three-dimensional model of the map.
- Carry out first print using both types of printing, and make necessary revisions from gained insights.
- Successfully use the preferred method to print a topographic map of a nearby hiking trail/ski-slope.
Scope
This project aims to successfully produce an SLS or FDM printed topographic map. Using current maps of Jackson Hole Ski/Hiking Trails, seen in Figure 1, a three-dimensional model will be made. Subsequently, an stl file of the model will be used to carry out the first print of the project. Necessary revisions of the part/process will be made while taking into consideration this project’s goals. A comparison of the same model printed using both techniques will be made, and the process that produces the more desirable results will be selected for the final print.
Figure 1: 2D Map of Skiing Trails of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Current Status of the Project
Currently we are in the process of developing an STL file of a hiking trail by using Google Maps as a visual reference. We have gathered 2D images of this particular terrain, using online source terrain.party, seen in Figure 2. This source basically converts what we see on a terrain map in the sense of heat map to reference change in elevation [1]. With these images, we can then take the images of Jackson Hole and convert that into a 3D model with the software Blender. From using the Blender software, we obtain an obj or stl file type that we can import into a CAD software.
Figure 2: 2D Map of Skiing Trails of Jackson Hole, Wyoming using terrain.party software.
We are still working out which software is most user friendly for adding additional detail to the map of the terrain that we are particularly looking to improve. Because of the limitations of softwares, like Siemens NX, to edit a body that is imported, we have had trouble with finding the best approach for adding surface details. We also predict that adding this detail could present a surface quality issue when printing with FDM printer.
References:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSNy9iUqDbI
Team Members:
Naif Abulleef, Ahmed Aljneibi, Adel Alkaabi, Naif, Alston Benz, and Kelsey Hacker