The present invention is directed to an automated
system that includes a hi-resolution three-dimensional imaging apparatus for topographic modeling that is electronically coupled with a computer. The
system incorporates one or more algorithms for converting the complex and randomly-occurring contours found in natural
terrain into an efficient series of adjacent and parallel coloring-agent imaging paths or swaths (comprised of inks, dyes, paints, and / or pigments). The swaths are defined in simplified 2-
axis surface contour-following printer-
head movements by the
system's CPU, printer driver
software, driver circuitry and / or
logic circuitry. This multi-axis control of the system assures that each of the swaths are seamlessly rendered next to one another while also maintaining an optimal proximity between the upper surface of the 3D model and the
nozzle end of one or more hi-resolution printer. A single coloring-agent such as black ink, may be used solely, or in combination with a plurality of colors such as a Cyan,
Magenta, Yellow and Black or “CMYK” combination. The system also incorporates algorithms for applying accurately registered indicia of a prescribed color, or colors, onto the surface of models including man-made boundaries such as property lines, easements, right-of-ways, land-development features; naturally occurring boundaries such as ridges and flow-lines, bodies of water, lakes, lake-beds, rivers, river-beds and forested areas including tree varieties;
lettering including the
accommodation of a variety of fonts; graphical embellishments; and cartographic elements.