To engage prospects, decision-makers, and visitors with your project, you can't beat three dimensions - and the more realistic the better.

 

Topographic models show terrain, buildings, geologic features, vegetation, infrastructure, and other elements of a scene on a scale that viewers can relate to. Visitor centers, city planning meetings, historical sites, dramatic presentations, trade show displays  and investor presentations or public disclosure meetings for ski resorts, golf clubs or other real estate development all find great value in topographic models.

 

Whether the model is a sales tool, an educational display or a visitor orientation tool, a realistic topographic model achieves the purpose far better than a less accurate representation or a two dimensional illustration. If seeing is believing then to see realistically is to understand and engage.

Some common methods used to enhance any topographic model are:

1) Craftsmanship

The final look is determined by how well it is made. For a quick-study model, contour layers can be cut out of mat board, basswood or another material and stacked. For high end models, cuting layers out of a solid block of polyurethane foam and then carefully sanding down the layers to create a smooth topography is much more realistic.  For a model that visitors can touch you need durability - achievable by making a positive model, creating a mold from it and then casting the topography in fiberglass.  Shown below is a construction site model that was hand carved out of pink foam sheets and then artistically painted. In planning your project, make certain your model building team has the skill, experience and equipment required for the quality level your project needs.

 

2) Attention to Detail

The larger your model becomes the more detail is required to make it appear realistic and the more you need to know about your model maker's expertise and capabilities. But even on smaller models, detailing can make the important features pop.

3) Enhanced Colors

Accurate simulation of colors and the unification of colors with the landscape and site are all important in order to keep the model appearance believable. As the size of the model gets smaller, the finer muted colors become predominant. Exact color matching does much to increase believeability.

 

 
4) Textures

Accurate surface patterns and textures must be recreated carefully for a fully realistic impact. Using creative materials that mimic the real landscape is as important as detailed architecture. Realistic texture greatly enhances the credibility and impact of the model. Here sand was embedded in the surface resin to simulate the look of trees in a model scale that is 1" = 1 mile. Without the tree texture the model would look flat and two dimensional. For the road a groove was cut in the surface to give it some dimension.

 

5) Multiple Dimensions

Multiple dimensions greatly enhance idea communication and realism. A topographic model can incorporate other model types - for example, buildings with a cutaway view of the interior to show a warehouse or production line. You can place your products on a site to show how different products match up with different topographies or how they can work together on site to speed construction.

These are just a few of the interesting and useful ways to enhance a topographic model. Model Builders, Inc. is known for creative, economical, realistic topographic models. Take the next step by contacting us at Model Builders, Inc., 773-586-6500 or info@modelbuilders.net .