Converting a Terrain Map into a 3D Printed Detailed Track
First run: What We Learned
We were able to create a printable model of a section of Jackson Hole Ski Trail. However, the model did not have the amount of detail we are hoping to achieve (more on that later). Figure 1 shows our initial print, that printed in just over nine hours. Printing was done using FDM due to its economic viability, especially during prototyping and initial phases. The idea is to optimize our process and create a model that has our desired level of detail, and then print using SLS to achieve a greater resolution.
Figure 1. Prototype Print of Jackson Hole Ski Trail Section
Our first print showed us that we can enlarge our model, and focus on a few slopes in order to transmit the most useful amount of information to somebody reading this map. Ultimately, that is our goal: to create a useful map that is an upgrade to current topological maps. By having a large enough model, we can add details such as slope names, length and elevation, and directions on how to get to that slope.
Software and Editing STL Files
We set out initially to determine which software could be used to manipulate STL files obtained from a 3D printable terrain model creation website [1]. This website provides an STL file of the terrain. We learned that editing STL files is a challenge, so we ran a print using a model that was not edited to our desired level of detail.
After testing out multiple programs, we found that using NX could be a viable way to edit STL files – although tedious. The next step is deciding how large the details must be in order for them to be useful. We want to add text on top of slopes, without the text covering over the slope terrain details. In that sense, a suitable size and width for the lettering and the slope itself is crucial for our purposes. In Figure 2 below, we have started cutting out a layer of the slopes in preparation for sizing of text.
Figure 2. NX Model of Green Slopes with Initial Cuts
The main limiting factor of sizing is resolution determined by the printer head. The nozzle on the FDM printers we will be printing with is 300 micrometers. Therefore have decided to go for a text size around 1 mm. The text will be indented into the given trail on the print. We can then size the width of the trails to be around 2 mm wide with accurate spacing on the mountain.
Moving Forward
Our next step is to print an edited model, with letter and slope sizes that we believe will be useful. Now that we know what kind of resolution we can expect, we can add an appropriate amount of detail to our map.
- Edit STL file using NX
- Print edited file, see how enlarging the model and adding detail affect the quality
- Iterate if needed
References
- http://touchterrain.geol.iastate.edu/
Kelsey Hacker, Alston Benz, Ahmed Aljneibi, Adel Alkaabi, Naif Abulleef