Terra Infirma

Why "Terra Infirma?" Terra Firma means "solid land" in Latin. So Terra Infirma is just a way of pointing out the
abstract nature of maps. Maps represent the land, but the land is far more complex than any map can ever reveal.
Every map greatly simplifies the reality on the ground. One of  the keys to a good map is exactly what & how & how
much the simplification is carried out.

3D rendering of Cheyenne Mtn. & Canyons, view to the West. Subset of larger image included with Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak map. Based on USGS digital elevation information with sunlight cast from the northwest.

Lefthand Canyon, Colorado. Quicktime, 3D Fly Over, 362K