A Popular Culture Example of Elevation Data Use

EarthData International, one of the larger firms in the remote-sensing/aerial imagery/LiDAR firm-cloud, had a role in the creation of Oliver Stone's film "World Trade Center."

According to press coverage of EarthData's part in the film (Md. office makes big impression on film), the LiDAR data collected by EarthData in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks helped producers recreate the World Trade Center for the film.

EarthData, a mapping company that has created detailed models of some of the country's largest cities, supplied the film's visual effects team with 3-D renderings of the towers, which were created by combining architectural blueprints with aerial laser terrain models taken during the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

EarthData's data also helped in planning for the film.

While writing the script, Paramount used the company's detailed 3-D model of New York to plan shooting angles and logistics for certain scenes.

This story is a reminder of how important up to date and accurate elevation data was in the response to those attacks. It also highlights the many ways that elevation data can continue to add value to a wide range of efforts after it has been collected.