Natural Heritage Reconstruction Using Full-Color 3D Printing: A Case Study of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds

The research presented in this paper proposes a method for the development of photorealistic, physical terrain models using full-color 3D printing, along with an efficiency assessment (i.e., cartographic correctness). The rapid development of 3D printing technology in recent years has caused a growth in the number of solutions allowing the automatic or semi-automatic generation of digital terrain representations that can be then 3D printed. Unfortunately, most of these solutions do not consider cartographic principles and their products cannot be referred to as 3D maps. The methodology proposed in this paper takes into account issues related to proper cartographic design, so that highly reliable models can be created. The main challenges identified during the research include choosing the optimal pixel size for Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation, which is used for landform representation, and integrating raster and vector data. Printing accuracy assessment is of high importance and, thus, a method for its implementation has been proposed. In order to verify the usability of the proposed methodology, the natural heritage site of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, in the Tatra Mountains, Poland, has been chosen as the case study area. The results suggest that the proposed methodology can be successfully used for the preparation of highly accurate 3D maps that can be used for natural heritage documentation, promotion and visualization, as well as for the purposes of spatial planning and education

The visualization of a mountain using 3D printing

Flat studies showing terrain (e.g. in form of maps) do not fully reflect its nature. Planning or design projects are definitely better represented in three-dimensional space. Previously used “sand tables”, especially popular in military applications, are expensive and uncomfortable to use due to their large size. In addition, they are modifiable only to a small extent and do not provide such accuracy as traditional maps. With the development of modern model relief techniques, a spectrum of the possibilities for development of customized spatial models (defined as models of the surrounding reality, mapped in the appropriate scale in three dimensions), has increased. The aim of this article is to present the possibilities of using 3D printing for the visualization of a mountain. Based on the digital terrain model (DTM), a model of a part of the Tatra Mountains was developed. It was established by DTM data processing and printing on a 3D printer using the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology. This article describes the principles for developing such a model and the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solution. Keywords: cartography, digital terrain model, sand table, FDM technolog

Automatic (Tactile) Map Generation—A Systematic Literature Review

This paper presents a systematic literature review that reflects the current state of research in the field of algorithms and models for map generalization, the existing solutions for automatic (tactile) map generation, as well as good practices for designing spatial databases for the purposes of automatic map development. A total number of over 500 primary studies were screened in order to identify the most relevant research on automatic (tactile) map generation from the last decade. The reviewed papers revealed many existing solutions in the field of automatic map production, as well as algorithms (e.g., Douglas–Peucker, Visvalingam–Whyatt) and models (e.g., GAEL, CartACom) for data generalization that might be used to transform traditional spatial data into the haptic form, suitable for blind and visually impaired people. However, it turns out that a comprehensive solution for automatic tactile map generation does not exist

The visualization of a mountain using 3D printing

Flat studies showing terrain (e.g. in form of maps) do not fully reflect its nature. Planning or design projects are definitely better represented in three-dimensional space. Previously used “sand tables”, especially popular in military applications, are expensive and uncomfortable to use due to their large size. In addition, they are modifiable only to a small extent and do not provide such accuracy as traditional maps. With the development of modern model relief techniques, a spectrum of the possibilities for development of customized spatial models (defined as models of the surrounding reality, mapped in the appropriate scale in three dimensions), has increased. The aim of this article is to present the possibilities of using 3D printing for the visualization of a mountain. Based on the digital terrain model (DTM), a model of a part of the Tatra Mountains was developed. It was established by DTM data processing and printing on a 3D printer using the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology. This article describes the principles for developing such a model and the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solution. Keywords: cartography, digital terrain model, sand table, FDM technolog

Guidelines for Standardizing the Design of Tactile Maps: A Review of Research and Best Practice

International audienceAccessibility to tactile maps is limited due to their expensive and time-consuming development. Acceleration of their production requires standardized design guidelines that consider symbol design and production methods. In this paper, based on a review of research and best practice, we summarize knowledge on how to design tactile maps properly and provide a selection of highly legible, recommended symbols for the compilation of tactile maps. We also examine generalization constraints and other design parameters that are necessary for the standardization of tactile mapping. Finally, we explore differences in tactile map design depending upon the selected production method. Over the years, many useful guidelines have been developed although they remain unknown to the wider audience. There is still a long way to go in creating a global standard for the design of tactile maps

Semi-automatic development of thematic tactile maps

International audienceTactile cartography has always been a niche topic, but even among tactile cartographers, little attention has been paid to thematic tactile maps. Thematic maps are used in education and the lack of such materials makes it difficult to fulfill particular subjects' curriculums. In this research, we propose a methodology for automatic compilation of legible and cartographically sound educational thematic tactile maps that bases on the concept of anchor layers and uses unequivocal parameters for generalization operators. Using such an approach we were able to automate the most complicated parts of the procedure that deal particularly with the generalization of geospatial data. We verify the proposed methodology by preparing a sample case study 3D printed map that is later evaluated by students with visual impairments. We also evaluate a novel approach of hybrid map production that consists of both graphic and tactile content. Our results suggest that the proposed methodology can be used for fast and repeatable production of fully fledged thematic tactile maps and that it forms a significant step toward completely automatic tactile maps development in the future

Guidelines for Standardizing the Design of Tactile Maps: A Review of Research and Best Practice

International audienceAccessibility to tactile maps is limited due to their expensive and time-consuming development. Acceleration of their production requires standardized design guidelines that consider symbol design and production methods. In this paper, based on a review of research and best practice, we summarize knowledge on how to design tactile maps properly and provide a selection of highly legible, recommended symbols for the compilation of tactile maps. We also examine generalization constraints and other design parameters that are necessary for the standardization of tactile mapping. Finally, we explore differences in tactile map design depending upon the selected production method. Over the years, many useful guidelines have been developed although they remain unknown to the wider audience. There is still a long way to go in creating a global standard for the design of tactile maps

Semi-automatic development of thematic tactile maps

International audienceTactile cartography has always been a niche topic, but even among tactile cartographers, little attention has been paid to thematic tactile maps. Thematic maps are used in education and the lack of such materials makes it difficult to fulfill particular subjects' curriculums. In this research, we propose a methodology for automatic compilation of legible and cartographically sound educational thematic tactile maps that bases on the concept of anchor layers and uses unequivocal parameters for generalization operators. Using such an approach we were able to automate the most complicated parts of the procedure that deal particularly with the generalization of geospatial data. We verify the proposed methodology by preparing a sample case study 3D printed map that is later evaluated by students with visual impairments. We also evaluate a novel approach of hybrid map production that consists of both graphic and tactile content. Our results suggest that the proposed methodology can be used for fast and repeatable production of fully fledged thematic tactile maps and that it forms a significant step toward completely automatic tactile maps development in the future

Modeling of Various Spatial Patterns of SARS-CoV-2: The Case of Germany

Among numerous publications about the SARS-CoV-2, many articles present research from the geographic point of view. The cartographic research method used in this area of science can be successfully applied to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of the pandemic using limited data and can be useful for a quick and preliminary assessment of the spread of infections. In this paper, research on the spatial differentiation of the structure and homogeneity of the system in which SARS-CoV-2 occurs, as well as spatial concentration of people infected was undertaken. The phenomena were investigated in a period of two infection waves in Germany: in spring and autumn 2020. We applied the potential model, entropy, centrographic method, and Lorenz curve in spatial analysis. The potentials model made it possible to distinguish core regions with a high level of the growth of new infections, along with areas of their impact, and regions with a low level of generation of new infections. The entropy showed the spatial distribution of differentiation of the studied system and the change of these characteristics between spring and autumn. The concentration method allowed for spatial and numerical demonstration of the concentration of infected population in a given area. We wanted to show that it is possible to draw meaningful conclusions about the pandemic characteristics using only basic data about infections, along with proper cartographic methods. The results can be used to designate the zones of the greatest threats, and thus, the areas where the most intense actions should be taken