LGM 3D offers a variety of terrain modeling and topography services to fit the needs of your project. Our services include GIS and stepped contour generation, satellite imagery accrual, as well as terrain model fabrication. These solid 3D relief maps can benefit specialists like civil engineers, landscape architects, architects, designers, contractors, surveyors, geophysical engineers, and beyond. Creating tangible 3D topographic maps, or Digital Elevation Models, can elevate discussions and understanding of the area you are looking to promote.
What is a DEM, or Digital Elevation Model?
A Digital Elevation Model represents the Earth’s topographic surface and features. This information can be used in sectors like geographic planning, engineering, analysis, and infrastructure design. By converting GIS or Geographic Information System Data, flat two dimensional contours can be converted into scale real world mockups. If you have a proposed area of interest in mind, LGM can develop both Digital Elevation Models or physical topography displays for your project.
How Can a 3D Map Benefit My Project?
Physical terrain models can offer insight and connection to the area you are focusing on. They can include features like roads and buildings to support context and scale. They can also be used to show existing and proposed conditions with removeable inserts. Solid topographic models can promote your project’s concept in a variety of ways and scenarios. Here are a few examples of how relief maps can be utilized:
Urban Planning & Development – Optimize infrastructure and efficient routes, or conceptualize new features
Agriculture & Environmental Studies – Visualize conservation efforts, land use, and farm capabilities
Architecture and Construction – Capture the relationship between building and terrain through phases of the construction process
Disaster Management Response & Risk Assessment – Better communicate accessible routes and emergency planning with decisions makers and the community
Museum & Artistic Display – Feature real world topography and bathymetric detail in your museum or display area
The 3D map model below was used in the One Tam Roving Ranger, developed by Base Landscape Architecture and Golden Gate Parks Conservancy. This educational tool was used as a tactile way to explain trail and national park features.
Types of 3D Relief Maps Available
Explore the variety of options for solid terrain model options below. Each type is tailored to fit your project needs and budget.
High Detail & Color Topography Maps
Essential for Real Estate & Sales Display Experiences
Realistic Real World Landscaping adds Texture, Depth and Interest
Information Rich Detail in a Variety of Sizes & Scales
RapidEarth – LGM’s Unique Large Format Colorized Relief Maps
Great for Visitor Center & Environmental Experiences
Used in Storytelling Wall Murals & Interpretive Planning
Can be Customized to Match Interior Design & Finish
Color 3D Printed Terrain Maps
Perfect for Many Applications, from Watersheds to Wayfinding
Excellent Client & Corporate Gift Opportunities
Fully Colorized and Cost Effective
Monochrome & Two Toned Landscape Displays
Supplements Internal Collaboration & Communication
Utilized in Small to Medium Sized Audiences
Focused Color Palette Keeps Conversation Focused on Big Picture Concepts
Turnaround & Workflow for 3D Topography Displays
Our first step begins with your proposed area of interest. By having a focus area in place, we can develop 3D data sets based on the needs of the project. This can incorporate LiDAR, point clouds, 2d contours, 3d meshes, Google Earth .KMZs, satellite imagery, georeferenced .JPGs, drone imagery and more. Terrain models can be developed from data as simple as coordinates, so let us know what information you have on hand.
From there, we produce a digital 3D proof that allows you to explore the terrain model prior to production.
Production turnaround will be based on the size and scale of the project, but typically takes between 2-6 weeks. Once the model is complete, we thoughtfully package and can ship the model domestically or internationally.
While renderings and plans can offer some perspective on large scale terrain maps, LGM 3D’s solid terrain modeling services can further promote and bolster your project’s design intent. With a variety of topographic displays to choose from, we can tailor the design based on project needs, visualization strategy, communication goals and more.