-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: raised relief maps
Date:   Mon, 7 Jan 2008 12:14:40 -0600
From:   Youngblood, Dawn <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>



Our University photographer had great fun photographing raised relief
maps from our collection up close...
http://www.smu.edu/newsinfo/stories/foscue-maps-31dec2007.asp

Also, in case it is of use to anyone, here is some of my label text from
a recent exhibit:

THREE DIMENSIONAL MAPS (1950) Visualizing a three-dimensional landscape
from a two-dimensional map can be difficult. Before World War II, 3-D
models were painstakingly hand crafted using painted wood or plaster.
Such models were heavy and bulky; not the kind of thing you want to
carry around in a war. Improved rubber terrain models were prepared for
the invasion on D-Day. Still, these models were hand-painted and took a
great deal of time to produce. After the war, a lithographic process was
developed using the same color plates from which paper maps are printed.
The plastic sheets are molded with heat (250 degrees for about 10
seconds) followed by application of vacuum pressure which conforms the
hot plastic to the exact shape of the mold. Thus, a 3-D model is created
within two minutes instead of days. The Edwin J. Foscue Map Library has
some of the earliest commercially produced pieces, such as those on
display here.

Dawn Youngblood
Dr. Dawn Youngblood
Curator, Edwin J. Foscue Map Library
Southern Methodist University
6414 Hilltop Lane
Box 135
Dallas TX 75205

[log in to unmask]
214-768-2285

P.O. Box 750135
Dallas TX 75275-0135

-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Angie Cope
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 11:52 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: raised relief maps

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: raised relief maps
Date:   Mon, 7 Jan 2008 09:50:23 -0800
From:   Janet Collins <[log in to unmask]>
To:     <[log in to unmask]>



Hi,

We maintain a collection of raised relief maps and have found them
useful for:

1)  tours:
        a)  entry level "Map Reading and Analysis" courses (cover
concepts of vertical and horizontal exaggeration)
        b)  elementary school kids - they love tactile maps (I also pull
out braille maps, stick charts, etc)

2)  faculty lending:
        a)  one of our geology faculty members sometimes uses them in
teaching

3)  curriculum:
        a)  a number of years ago, we had a group of college students
who were interested in learning how to make them.

                One of our staff ended up mentoring about 6 students in
developing raised relief models.
                I've got some on display in the map library
        b)  one of the engineering technology classes working in
plastics developed a braille map of campus. Our
                raised relief maps were helpful in their planning.
        c)  local school teachers borrow them to use in their class as
part of having their students make raised relief maps.

4)  display:
        a)  we have a 4 ft by 5 ft raised relief model of the nearby Mt.
Baker region on permanent loan from the U.S.
                Forest  (they purchased a newer one).  It is a magnet to
patrons walking through the front door.


We store them in a cabinet hanging from rods and they are not listed in
the catalog.

I agree with April, "They are a bit of a luxury, but a really wonderful
one!"


Cheers and Happy New Year,
Janet
Huxley Map Library
Western Washington Univ.