Tactile model of planet Mars

thingiverse

This is a tactile 3D model of the planet Mars made from elevation data obtained by NASA's MGS mission. The planet's rugged terrain comes alive in this tangible representation, inviting users to explore and experience its vast landscape. The model was crafted using Jordi Burguet's Mapelia software (https://github.com/jordibc/mapelia), a powerful tool for creating accurate and detailed 3D models from geospatial data. The result is a highly realistic and immersive experience that simulates the planet's actual topography. Notably, the North polar cap appears as a smooth expanse, while the South Polar cap features an embedded logo of the University of Valencia Astronomical Observatory. This subtle detail adds an extra layer of meaning to the model, highlighting the connection between science and exploration. The model's meridian corresponds precisely to 0º longitude in Mars' geographical coordinates, providing a precise and accurate representation of the planet's spatial layout. By using this coordinate system, users can easily navigate and understand the relationships between different features on the planet's surface. After conducting extensive tests, it was determined that an optimal size for the globe is approximately 20 cm in diameter. This size strikes a perfect balance between being large enough to be impressive and small enough to be manageable. Larger models may become unwieldy and cumbersome, while smaller ones can be confusing and difficult to interpret.