VistaPro Topographical Animation
of Proposed Runs at Lookout Pass
| The topographical animation of proposed 2003/04 Montana runs at Lookout Pass Ski Area was accomplished in several steps, beginning with USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. | |
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This is the USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle elevation data for Lookout Pass, after conversion to VistaPro's square format, 7710 meters (4.79 miles) on a side. Runt Mountain is in the NE quadrant; the alpine basins for Lone, Stevens, St.Regis and Copper Lakes are clearly shown from west to east. |
 VistaPro generated this terrain, seen from 5500 meters above its center, by forming 130K random polygons using the 65K elevation data points in the VistaPro DEM file. |
 The program allows you to place the camera and target anywhere; here we are looking at Runt Mountain from 3500 meters above the NE corner of the topography. |
 This shows Runt Mountain from the south, after an algorithm fed river was started at Lower St. Regis Lake. |
 FEIS Alternative D, page 2-12, pictures Runt Mountain centered in a north-south orientation |
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Now it is just a matter of adjusting terrain and cliff colors and parameters, adding clouds and a snow line, growing fractal trees and then plotting a path around them using a couple dozen camera/target nodes and correct curve interpolation parameters. The trick is to make sure that the virtual skiers/riders NEVER look off the edge of their world as they move as close to the surface as possible while NEVER going "underground." The final finesse is to mimic the style of the virtual skiboarder. Del's Run reflects the fact that he is an expert snowboarder who goes straight down the fall line in total control. This will be required of everyone if the new lift goes where the owner wants to put it. Greg's Run reflects the fact that I am a fast, but often semi-out-of-control skier who sometimes has to do heroic maneuvers to avoid hitting trees. That why I'd be happier if the lift terminal was located in a safer, less cramped place, as shown in the animation. |
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