Abstract: The present disclosure presents an improved system and method for tracking and tagging objects of interest in a broadcast, including expert indications of desirable and undesirable locations on golf course terrain.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying predicted wildfire movements and wildfire history including getting fire history data, analyzing the fire history data to find significant wildfire parameters, determining wildfire modeling parameters, modeling the wildfire behavior to create a plurality of preconfigured models, processing geographical data for each of the preconfigured models, overlaying the geographic data onto the map data for each of the preconfigured models and selectively displaying the overlaid geographic data onto the map data and/or history data via a display.

Abstract: Use of scientific models to generate graphical virtual environments is described. In an embodiment at least two different scientific models are used. Input data which is representative of a real world environment is used by a first scientific model, such as a climate model, and data output by the first scientific model is then fed into a second, different, scientific model, such as an ecological model, in order to generate simulation data. The simulation data, which may, for example, detail the required population density of particular plant species and their size and age, is then used by a graphical simulation engine to generate a graphical virtual environment which may, for example, be used in a computer game such as a flight simulation game.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing erosionally stable fluvial geomorphic landscape designs in a computer aided design environment. A topography input module is configured to access a three-dimensional model of existing topography of a site, while a data input module is configured to receive climatic and hydrological data associated with the site. A channel geometry module is configured to utilize the three-dimensional model and the data to generate dimensions for one or more proposed ephemeral channels. A design surface module generates a graphical view of a proposed landform at the site using the existing topography, the proposed ephemeral channels, and optionally, various complementary topographic features.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a map overlaying a lighted display box. The map has a plurality of magnified eye holes though which a person can view lighted, magnified pictures or photographs. The map can be easily opened such that the pictures can be interchanged, such that a user may begin with a map containing generic, stock photos of various national parks, surf spots, or baseball stadiums, then, over time, as the user physically visits these locations he/she can replace the stock photos with personalized photos. The color of light can be changed as well once a location is visited, to give the user a sense of visual association and accomplishment.

Abstract: The invention relates to topographic maps which can be visually perceived in a three-dimensional manner and in which a pre-definable part of a territory is printed on a planar rear face of a lenticular foil in the form of strip images or a carrier that has been printed in this manner is adhesively bonded to or placed directly on the planar rear face of a lenticular foil.

Abstract: A navigational aide in the form of a physical model that may be integrated with conventional expedition equipment. The preferred embodiment comprises a hiking staff (5, 6) containing 2-D map data (3) and or 3-D topographical representations (1, 2) corresponding with specific geographic regions and or features. The 3-D surfaces may be sculpted about and along the model. Alternately, cross-sectional elevation profiles of routes may be presented in the form of a 3-D sculpted grooves or flutes along, about, and or around the shaft. A variety of configurations are presented for the purpose of maximizing the effective sculptable areas or edges, and to provide a shrouding effect for the protruding peaks that would otherwise be vulnerable to deformation and uncomfortable to grip. The 3-D elevations may be exaggerated to visually accentuate changes in elevation. Features such as trails may be represented as grooves to facilitate marking progress and position.

Abstract: A terrarium representative of a geographical area is provided including a base and an enclosed housing constructed from a transparent material. Such housing includes a planar front face, a planar rear face and a periphery formed therebetween taking the shape of a border of the geographical area. The housing has an interior space with soil, rocks, and foliage situated therein which are commonly found in the geographical area.

Abstract: The invention comprises a container having sidewalls and a bottom; a rigid cover having integrally molded or detachable features simulating natural or manmade topographical features such as riverbeds, mountains, islands, whirlpools, and various rock and stone shapes. In accordance with the invention, the cover is detachably secured to the sidewalls of the container.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for creating three-dimensional figures or forms starting from any flat surface image. The process includes the steps of selecting an illustration to be reproduced in three dimensions and then preparing an assistance plan for the assembly starting from the figures own, or cast, shadow. Thereafter, contour drawings are made of each piece, joining each point that defines a level, following the model's contour until arriving back at the point of departure. The design is then broken down by drawing each of the component pieces thereof individually and cataloging them and grouping them by material, texture and color; making the pieces obtained from the individual drawings, then grouping and cataloging by level each of the fabricated pieces. A base or theoretical point is space is determined over which the work will be assembled; marking at level zero, or the base, the position at which level one will be placed on the base.

Abstract: Apparatus for modeling the sediment transport characteristics of a selected ection of a river or the like includes an elevated inclined platform adapted to receive an insert representing a scaled model of the section of river to be studied and a water source for delivering water containing a simulated sediment to the model. As the water flows over the model, the sediment is transported so as to simulate the sedimentary characteristics of the modeled portion of the river. The apparatus is provided with a function generator which allows the water to be delivered to the model in accordance with a specified hydrograph and is also provided with a sliding digital micrometer survey system which allows accurate surveys to be taken at selected increments along the model. Method for modeling the sediment transport characteristics of a river is also described.

Abstract: A multidimensional puzzle. The puzzle includes a plurality of three-dimensional first object pieces having a contoured front surface. The object pieces are each representative of a thing with the contoured front surface having a shape identified with the thing represented by the object piece. A background defines a plurality of recesses each shaped to receive one of the object pieces with the contoured surface projecting from the recess. The background includes a plurality of second pieces. The puzzle also includes identification indicia associated with each of the recesses identifying one of the things represented by the object pieces to thereby indicate which of the object pieces the recess is shaped to receive.

Abstract: A portable water pollution model and method are disclosed that provide an improved device and method for simulating water pollution. The present invention includes a portable simulated watershed model, including a simulated body of water and a simulated water pollution source; a simulated water pollutant, placeable on selected portions of the model; a simulated best management practice for pollution minimization, placeable on selected portions of the model; and a fluid dispenser capable of simulating rain over the watershed model. The present invention further includes a method for simulating water pollution including providing a portable simulated watershed model, providing a simulated water pollutant, placing the simulated pollutant on selected portions of the model, providing a simulated best management practice, placing the simulated practice on selected portions of the model, and simulating rain over the model.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for an educational device for teaching concepts of geography and biology (including ecology). The subject invention comprises a plant growth chamber in which any of a variety of plants may be grown. Covering the plant growth chamber is a plant growth limitation shield having at least one opening. The top surface of the plant growth limitation shield contains an illustration in which the aperture (or apertures) forms a part of the illustration. The subject device also comprises means for holding the plant growth limitation shield in place over the plant growth chamber such that plants growing from the plant growth chamber may grow through the aperture (or apertures) of the plant growth limitation shield and that the plant growth limitation shield is held in fixed position relative to the plant growth chamber.

Abstract: Model terrain accessories that are positioned for use on the surface of a miniature landscape are fabricated from a permanently flexible material, preferably polyvinyl chloride. These flexible accessories are realistically contoured models representing roads, streams, stream banks, earthworks, and walls, or segments thereof. These flexible accessories will conform to changes in surface elevation on any miniature landscape on which they are assembled. The flexible accessories fit together easily in an infinite variety of individual and group configurations, and can be easily removed from the landscape surface and reused when desired.

Abstract: An illuminated natural gas display panel assembly simulates the generation and transmission of natural gas to different classes of users by means of a plurality of elongated strips of light-transmitting arrays, each strip made up of a plurality of LEDs and with different light-sequencing circuits for individually controlling the rate and direction of sequencing of the lights to represent a desired pressure level and direction of flow along each said array; and different colored light elements are employed to aid in giving the optical illusion of different pressure levels along each of the light-transmitting arrays.

Abstract: A topographical model simulates mountains having stream beds, a river valley, a dam creating a lake therebehind, and a cultivated field. A chamber formed in the top of the mountain is charged with ice, which melts and escapes to the stream bed. A diverter selectively directs this water to the lake or to a dry side of the mountain, thus influencing water level of the lake and the river. The dam includes a simulated hydroelectric generator and a simulated irrigation system delivering water from the lake to the cultivated field. A secondary dam is provided to trap spillage from the main dam. A trench and optional surface screen protect the lake from floating or submerged debris. The model thus demonstrates that portion of a natural water cycle originating with snow melting on mountains, and exploitation of water resources to generate power and to irrigate a cultivated field.

Abstract: An educational visual display system for teaching geography in which objects having some geographical or topographical significance, e.g., states of the Union, may be detachably affixed and arranged to demonstrate relationship between the objects. The preferred system includes (1) a primary background surface of iron velvet fabric material to which hook type fasteners may be detachably adhered, (2) a plurality of primary objects having geographical significance and comprising a soft foam core with a layer of iron velvet fabric on one side and a plurality of hook type fasteners on the other side, the primary objects being arrangeable to represent in combination a larger geographical unit, and (3) a plurality of secondary objects each having geographical or topographical significance and having hook type fasteners on one side thereof for being detachably affixable to the layer of iron velvet fabric of the primary objects.

Abstract: A method of developing, mining and restoring a mining property having one or more mineral bearing rock seams is provided. Three-dimensional topographic control data, mineral bearing rock seam location data, water flow data, and overburden stratification and constituency data are collected and a topographic map of the mine property is prepared. An access road is located on the map to the mineral bearing rock seams and various environmental control facilities, topsoil storage areas and overburden disposal sites are identified and located on the map. Next, the mining operations are broken into sequential phases and placed on the topographic map. Mining of the seam material is then accomplished by sequential phases. After completing the first phase, each succeeding sequential phase is completed. During each succeeding sequential phase, a portion of the mine property in the preceeding phase is preferably restored.

Abstract: A three dimensional toy having a base member showing a housing development with structural profile members mounted thereon which are secured by profile locking elements for constructing elevations of roadways, lots and surrounding terrain. The profile members and locking elements also serve as retaining walls for soil which, when shaped to conform to the contours of the profile members and locking elements and provided with living plants defines the topography of a living housing development.