Visualization of Cartographic Surfaces Using 3D Printing and Subsurface Engraving

To build multicolored physical models of threedimensional cartographic surfaces new computercontrolled devices can be used which were developed for the fast and inexpensive production of mechanical parts. To evaluate rapid prototyping technology several physical models were built, visualizing conceptual surfaces interpolated from demographic and economic data, and travel distances in traffic networks. Similar surfaces were used to produce 3D images inside glass blocks by using laser subsurface engraving. 1. Virtual reality vs. physical reality The enhanced cost-effectiveness ratio of computers and graphic peripherals has provided new methods to generate photo-realistic scenes, which are known a