Augmented Greina
Physical 3D terrain visualisation and mapping
Abstract
The project presents multiple maps about the geology, the protected natural areas, the alpine trails, and the glaciers and lakes evolution of the region of the “Greina” (between the canton of Ticino and Graubunden, Switzerland).
The maps are projected on a CNC-milled 3D terrain of 170 by 120 cm. The visitors can select the maps by simply turning a knob of a tangible interface that activates the corresponding legend through lights and animations.
Datas
year
2018
scope
SUPSI LCV, CNC milling and projection mapping
client
about
process
The interactive installation was built for the “La Greina” exhibition at the ”Valle di Blenio Museum” of Lottigna in Ticino. Opened in 2018, the exhibition shows the peculiarities of this unique region from different points of view: from the scientific one about cartography and geology to the point of view of the artists and the poets or of the people living and working there. It shows the modernity of human interventions to provide electricity to the nearby valleys with hydroelectric basin projects.
The 3D model was generated using the map data from the Swiss Federal Office of Topography. The model has been split and carved in multiple MDF wood panels using a CNC milling machine and then joined together in the final 3D terrain covering the region of the Greina on a scale of 1:25’000 (170x120cm with a height of 20cm).
On the terrain, various maps are projected from the top. To account for the distortion caused by the irregular terrain, an intensive projection mapping process has been made to match the orthogonal maps with the physical 3D model.
The physical user interface consists of a flat panel positioned on the short side of the model and facing it with the printed legends of the maps that are illuminated when the corresponding map is projected onto the model. The user can select the map by turning the knob next to the legends. If nobody is interacting, the maps change automatically.
The project has been designed and developed by LCV/Fablab SUPSI for the historical and ethnographic ”Valle di Blenio Museum” of Lottigna.
Located in the historical house of the valley, the model is taking quite an important part on the room Another view of the model with the exhibition ready The overall system with the beamer The most colorful projection The gological map is the most complex one and covers all the model The legend isn't just static, but it also shows the years when scrolling along the topics The most complex legend are directly printed on the interface to be better read The 3D model merge really well with the projection The map about the melting of the glacier gives an interesting overview of the phenomenon The main trekking trails an mountain huts are shown on the map
Fabrication and projection mapping
The fabrication has been done "in house" at the Fablab SUPSI and consisted in many many hours of CNC programming and cutting as well as "3D" mapping of the projected imaes on the final model.
First test to understand the process and how to manage the 3D files The stack of wood pieces waiting to be cut, many hours went into the process The first pass is call "rough" and is done with a big cutting bit to remove a lot of material, the details are done with a round tip bit Very interesting process the 3D cutting with the CNC, here the final detail pass with a round tip bit The solution of building the model with layers was the only option because of the cutting dept of the CNC is limited Gluing process with the help of clamps and screws to keep everything in place Last top pieces missing to close the first block of the terrain The first piece finished, 3 more to go After almost 300 hourse of CNC milling all the pieces are cut and ready to be painted Projection test Starting the 3D mapping by using Blender to generate the mesh and Sparck to stretch the projection accordingly The mapping finally done. How the terrain pop out is a very satisfying view
skills
- Woodworking