o r d e r i n g
i n f o r m a t i o n

There are a few things you will need to consider before you place an order such as; technical information about input formats, data density, output resolutions, match print, typical turnaround time, artistic advice, vertical scaling. If you aren't sure about any the requirements, don't worry, just give us a call and one of STM's friendly and knowledgeable staff will help ascertain your needs and locate the data for you.

Our models require two kinds of data. The first is Digital elevation data this is the information about the terrain that we send to our computer to cut the surface. The second is an image file that gets printed on top of the model. If you have your own data read below to find which kinds we work from.

what will the model be used for?
Knowing the final use of the model will determine many factors in making the model.

Will the model be set on a table top or hung on the wall?

How much area and how much detail do you need to see?

Keep in mind the larger the area of land the model covers the smaller the relief becomes. This can help to determine the size and scale of the model.

How will the model be displayed?

Will it be for public or private viewing, requiring a protective case?

Will it travel, requiring a travel case?
do you have the data you need to make the model you want?
STM uses two files to make a model, one for the shape of the surface (DEM) and the other for the image to be printed onto the surface. Remember, if you're not sure you have what you need or none of this makes sense, call us and we will make sure you have what you need.

General data requirements:
Image data must be orthorectified and precisely registered to the DEM. The importance of registration between the image and the DEM can not be stressed enough. In addition, the limits and projection of the image and the DEM must be the same for proper alignment.

DEM (digital elevation model) Requirements
The DEM should be supplied in either Erdas Imagine (.IMG), Surfer Grid (.GRD), or Band Sequential (.BSQ) format.

The DEM data should be of sufficient density to support at least 12 postings per inch (ppi) for the model. We can up-sample or down-sample your data if necessary. For example a 48" x 96" model should have at least 576 x 1152 input data points at 12 ppi. STM can assist with the data issues as required.

Vertical Exaggeration:
While it is common to expect that vertical scale exaggeration is necessary when modeling terrain, STM's rendering process brings out the most subtle of details in terrain data; therefore making vertical exaggeration unnecessary. In fact, modifying the vertical scale can often become counterproductive if portraying "what it really looks like" is important for public illustration or legal presentations. There are, however, times when vertical exaggeration is appropriate and STM can provide guidance in this area.
Image Requirements:
The image that is to be applied to the model surface can be of any type: satellite, aerial, illustrations, graphs or any combination of these, thus allowing for the display of a wide range of information. When supplying image files that consist of a combination of different types of data, for example a TIFF satellite image and a CorelDraw vector overlay, please provide these as separate registered layers or files.

The preferable image file format is an uncompressed TIFF in CMYK color space. We can, however, accept a wide variety of formats, including: BMP, JPEG, PSD, EPS, Illustrator, and CorelDraw. Images may be supplied in RGB color space, but will be converted to CMYK. The image resolution should be between 150 DPI and 360 DPI with respect to the finished model size. Other resolutions may be acceptable and you should speak directly with an STM modeling representative regarding your project specifics.

Avoid using text that will be smaller than about 0.1" high out the final output size. And be careful when putting dark text on a dark background. Make sure you have a large bold font that doesn't contain thin serifs. On a multicolored background a white font with a black stroke generally works best.

Matchprint
A Matchprint of the image should be provided if exact color reproduction is critical. While STM makes every effort to faithfully reproduce colors, our process does not provide the wide color gamut that some of today's desktop systems offer. When requested, STM can provide flat image proofs for approval prior to final imaging.
Please contact our office at 805-524-7307 ext 101 or order through one of our Value Added Resellers listed on our resellers page.

You may also download a PDF of our Data Requirements Document here.

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