GEOLOGY LAB
THREE DIMENSIONAL
MODELING
OF A LAND AREA
INTRODUCTION:
In this project, you will construct a three dimensional model of an area of land,
from a quadrangle map. You can obtain quadrangle maps from the United States
Geological Survey, or from a map store. Choose a map of your area so you can
compare your model to the actual land area. Lines of equal altitude are drawn on
the map.
MATERIALS:
Copy machine
Quadrangle map
Board to build model on
Modeling clay that dries hard
Here are my instructions
for making SALT CLAY
Scissors
Ruler
Tape
Pencil
Small knife
Rolling pin
PROCEDURE:
1. Choose the area of the map you wish to model. Copy the chosen area
with a copy machine so you wont destroy the original map. Piece the
copies together with tape to match the original.
2. Obtain a board large enough to build the model on.
3. Cut out the area (from the copied map section) to be modeled, along
the lowest altitude line. Place the map on the board and trace around it
with a pencil.
4. Now cut out along the next higher altitude line, removing the lower
portion. Lay the cut-off lower portion on the board, lined up with the pencil
line, this is to place the first layer of clay.
5. Use the rolling pin and ruler to roll out some clay for the first layer. The
thickness of the layer needs to match the altitude scale between the
altitude lines, and large enough to cover the remaining map section. Lay
the remaining map section on the clay, and using the knife, cut the clay to
match.
6. Lay the clay layer on the board, positioning it within the lower map
section you placed on the board in step 4. Remove the lower map section.
The illustration shows an example of layer placement.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each altitude line on your map. Remember to
make the layers to scale, and use the previous cut-off map section to
position the next layer.
8. Use clay to fill in from the pencil line to the top edge of the first layer.
Continue filling in with clay from the top edge of one layer to the next, as
the illustration shows.
9. Set aside to dry. This will take several days as there is a lot of clay in
some areas.
DRESSING-UP YOUR MODEL:
The salt clay will take paint well. Trees and shrubs can be easily made from a
number of materials. Go to a model train hobby store for ideas. Just remember,
keep things to scale.
Make a label for your model and attach it to a corner of the board. Be sure it
clearly identifies the area the map represents, and has the scale of the map on it.
HAVE FUN
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