TopoImagery is the creation of Doug Armknecht. A map lover even at an early age, Doug had already created several maps, of places both real and imagined, by the time he turned 10. In 1998, he started a site called TopoWeb, an index of worldwide topographic map resources (it currently has over 75,000 visitors). While in his senior year of college, with a Computer Science degree and job imminent, Doug decided instead to further pursue his mapping interest, and added a geography major. He has been very fascinated with the idea of digital representation of terrain, and constantly seeks ways to move towards more advanced, accurate, and realistic maps and views. TopoImagery is an extension of that interest.

Why TopoImagery? What's the point of another mapping site? In fact, what's the point of more maps? Some people are actually surprised that there's still interest in mapmaking. While it's true that most of the world is mapped in a reasonable level of detail, new maps and views are key to analyzing geographic facts, ideas, and trends. TopoImagery specializes in 3-D maps and views. By adding the third dimension, maps are given an entirely new perspective that greatly enhances geographic knowledge.

Many ideas and lines of thought have gone into TopoImagery. One is the belief that a good map is equal parts cartographic accuracy and artistry. Another is that 3-D terrain maps represent a completely new kind of cartographic creation, one that will be infinitely useful in conveying information. TopoImagery strives to continually be on the creative frontier of mapmaking, embracing new techniques and ideas in a constant search for further cartographic excellence.

Most of the work involved with producing a map revolves around data-- finding good data, acquiring data, translating data, processing data, and finally viewing data. In the mapping world, it's just not sufficient to rely on a single piece of software to do the job. TopoImagery has assembled a sort of mapping software suite, made up of different tools for different tasks. In addition, TopoImagery has developed HFUtils, a set of custom heightfield processing tools to handle tasks from data translation to cylindrical terrain warping. As for the final images, the key to smooth and beautiful terrain is good rendering. The raytracing program POV-Ray is perfect for the job of producing stunning and realistic map images.

To ask questions or find out more information, send e-mail to info@topoimagery.com.