The ability to use 3D maps as a credible, enlightening, accurate, and cost-effective method to inform today's readers and viewers is now possible.
I spoke with Don Foley, an established freelance information graphics journalist and 3D animation specialist, and here's what he had to say about getting started in the process.
First, establish a method to extract the data and map it. Use templates so the lighting -- which is key to making the relief work -- works in a consistent style.
Next, locate the information. Using global topography data collected from the National Geodectic Survey, companies have packaged the data into CDs, available for purchase. But, if you don't get many map projects, you might not mind hunting down the info instead. It's much easier now than it was a couple of years ago.
Then, find the right digital elevation model. DEM is the format used by most folks to create grayscale elevation models that can be turned into 3D shapes. Here are two places to look for DEM files: The National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Once you have found the file you need, convert it using MacDEM and save the greyscale model as a PICT file. MacDEM is an application that allows you to view and edit DEM files for the Mac OS. You can download a free demo of MacDEM at: http://www.treeswallow.com/macdem/
Open the PICT file in PhotoShop and create a texture map.
Open your 3D application of choice to view the 3D image.
And, map the texture and render it.
According to Don, with the exception of hunting down the DEM file and creating the texture map, the process only takes a couple of minutes. Don credits the rendering speed to Electric Image, his preferred 3D application.
Here is a rundown on popular 3D Applications
Electric Image: The best reason for using EI is speed, followed by image quality. Speed is critical with limited rendering resources. The third reason to go with EI would be training. It's easy to teach the modeler to other people, and there are good training resources available including 3Dgarage.
The cons? Nobody uses it, so the skill set most likely is not going to be transferable to other organizations. Also, the import formats limit the types of files you can import into the program. It has an adequate list of imports, but on imports formats that work REALLY well, you're limited. This would be a key consideration for daily work.
Lightwave: Not very fast, but it has a good quality image and is a program that other organizations likely use. Lightwave has lots of training material and support books, lots of model libraries and import/export support.
Cinema 4D: A good program, but poor interface. Not known to be used for broadcast animation work.
Maya: Great program, not really all that hard, average rendering quality, but SLOW. The program is in-depth, but you can get by using just the minimum skills for daily work. The key is cranking out good-looking, quality images quickly.
3D Max: Only on the PC. Most newspaper folks are Mac-friendly.
Strata: Good application, but it's hard to tell if this program has any kind of shelf life.
Bryce and Poser: Programs like Bryce and Poser are must-have utilities, but can't be counted on to pull off final graphics on their own.
Other Resources
A master of 3D maps is Tom Paterson, at the National Park Service: http://www.nacis.org/cp/cp28/resources.html
Find additional information about DEM's for the news media at Eastview Cartographic: http://www.cartographic.com/info_for_media.asp AND http://www.cartographic.com/digital_elevation_models.asp#off-the-shelf.
Cartographic.com also has examples of how TIME magazine and The Washington Post are using 3D maps. In my humble opinion, TIME has done some of the best/prettiest 3D maps to date.
TurboSquid offers all kind of 3D files for purchase. No need to sit around building an aircraft carrier on deadline if you can buy one for $65.
Mike Fisher and Josh Hatch, of News In Motion, contributed to this article. Mike Fisher, Senior Animator, also endorses East View Cartographic.
