3D Globe Image Design for Possible use by
National Geographic Magazine.
Rudolf Husar, rhusar@mecf.wustl.edu , 314 935 6099
February 22, 2000
Rev: March 13, 2000
Background
National Geographic Magazine is working on an ocean story and they have
expressed interest in a 3D globe image similar to the one used for the 20x10 foot
NASA EOS exhibit backdrop, and the NASA EOSDIS poster. For the story, they
need
- view of the Pacific, and partially the Americas with high resolution land
data
- ocean data for sea surface temperature or surface wind speed
- 3D clouds
The purpose of this note is to (1) record the design process on this web-page to
serve as 'organizational memory' for later recollection; (2) foster further design
suggestions and feedback with the NG staff (3) learn how to use the web as a
medium for open communication and consensus building.
Data Layers
For the NG Magazine image design the following layers were tested:
1. Land – SeaWiFS
2. Sea Surface: Sea Surface Wind Speed (NASA NSCAT); Ocean
productivity (chlorophyll); Temperature –(UWisconsin, Madision), or
3. Clouds - GOES, Meteosat, GMS5 (UWisconsin, Madision)
Rendering Variables
In terms of rendering the 3D globe image we can change Lat/Lon/Height position
of the eye as well as the content of the data layers. Below are some options to start
the discussion. The rendering below is in coarse resolution (800x800 pixels). The
full resolution image(s) will be at 4000x4000 pixels. Click on the images for a
larger (800x800) version.
Position of the Eye
The eye is 100,000 km from the Earth at 10 deg. North latitude. The longitudes are
–100, -60,-20,20,60 and 100
Cloud Density
In the symbolic globe image, the cloud cover was significantly reduced in order to
have more of the Earth surface visible. I cut out some low clouds (with high IR
temperature). Without cloud thinning, not much of the Earth is visible - see what I
mean by 'symbolic' image?
These are two cloud cover densities. Previously I used the left (thin) cloud density.
If we use the dense cloud density, not much of the ocean is visible.