M-64
Yosemite Valley, California
Fred Wilhelm, 1939
Restored 2006 with funds from
Linda and Brian Graff
This Yosemite Valley relief map is based on the
pioneering 1930 topographic study “Geologic History
of the Yosemite Valley” (Professional Paper 160) by
Francois E. Matthes, a leading USGS topographer in
early Yosemite surveys. The model is one of many
that museum artisan Fred Wilhelm created in
Science Hall during the 1930s. Because deep relief
is difficult to portray and comprehend on a flat map,
models such as this allowed the unique geography of
the Yosemite to be clearly understood. While on
display in the old Geology Museum (now the
Geography Library), this map served as a tactile
classroom learning aid in the study of glacial
landscapes and geomorphology. During this map’s
restoration, another layer of topographic detail was
discovered under the present illustration. Wilhelm, in
a common practice at the time, may have added a
second paint layer onto a purchased model to
demonstrate new geologic knowledge or to
customize the model for Science Hall.
M-70
Kiska Island (No. 15-2)
Office of Strategic Services (OSS), July 1943
Donated in 2006 by
Mrs. Arthur H. (Martha) Robinson
This model of Kiska Island was created in response
to the western Aleutian island’s occupation by the
Japanese in June 1942. Although Japanese forces
had withdrawn by the time the U.S. forces invaded
on 15 August 1943, this foam terrain model was
used in conjunction with air photos to provide
superior geographic familiarization for campaigns.
Notice the map’s lack of cultural features but also
note the exquisite airbrushed hillshading that would
have augmented the aircrew’s visual grasp of the
topography. Arthur H. Robinson was the director of
the OSS Map Division when this map was created,
and he oversaw new techniques such as the use of
lightweight, portable rubber, foam, and plastic
materials. The earliest reference to a military relief
map is a 16th century French description of an Island
of Antibe model complete with miniature ships and
towns. Now, military terrain modeling is based on
computerized visualization and real-time satellite
reconnaissance.
M-47
Relief Map of Illinois
E. H. J. Lorenz, 1915
Restored 2006 with funds from
the Department of Geography, Sheila and
Michael Bradford, and William Koepcke
In 1908, the Geology Department secured the
modeling services of E. H. J. Lorenz, a skilled
craftsman from the UW College of Engineering’s
Extension program. Lorenz created this model of
Illinois glacial geology to supplement the Geology
Museum’s plaster relief map collection which until
then had been purchased from Edwin E. Howell’s
company, Microcosm, of Washington, D.C. This
relief model, like others of its era, was constructed
on a large plank covered with chicken wire and cross
supports. Topographic map contour lines were
transferred onto cardboard or thin wood, cut out, and
assembled vertically with spacers and nails. Wax or
clay was applied and carved into geographic
features. Finally, a plaster negative mold was
created from which many plaster positives could be
cast. The labels and geologic features, such as the
drift zones shown in this Illinois map, were painted
by hand. Inscribed into the once-wet plaster on the
back side of this relief map’s legend are the words:
“Lorenz Model.”
M-36
The Malaspina Glacier
with Mt. St. Elias and Yakutat Bay
E. H. J. Lorenz, 1909
Restored 2006 with partial funds from
Larry H. Stice
The Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska is the
largest glacier in North America, covering about
1500 square miles, and is considered a classic
example of a piedmont glacier. It is named after the
Spanish explorer and scientist Alejandro Malaspina,
who in 1791 explored and made coastal charts of the
area. E. H. J. Lorenz created this model in 1909 to
illustrate active glacial processes for students of
Lawrence Martin, a newly-arrived geography
professor who taught regional geography, glaciation,
and physiography. This model has several unique
elements. Observe the relief model frame and how it
is carved to follow the terrain, a very rare feature that
reveals the craftsmanship of the modeler. The map’s
title block indicates that it used Israel Cook Russell’s
U.S. Geological Survey panoramic photographs, a
very early form of photogrammetry. Note also
citation for the International Boundary Commission
which did not complete the disputed Alaskan
boundary until 1913.