Hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographic modeling apparatus

An automated system for duplication terrain into a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

• a data translator for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a three-dimensional grid including a plurality of grid intersection points;
• at least one cutting means for cutting an object into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model;
• and
• a multi-axis driving device for driving the cutting means to move in response to the three-dimensional grid in a serpentine pattern along rows of the grid intersection points in the three-dimensional grid.

A hi-accuracy three-dimensional cutting apparatus for duplication terrain into a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

• a data translator for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model and sequentially to a series of adjacent two-dimensional contours along each of such cross-section planes;
• at least one milling device for milling an object so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model;
• and
• a multi-axis driving device with the milling device being operatively mounted so as to move in response to the series of adjacent two-dimensional contours.

A hi-accuracy three-dimensional cutting apparatus for duplication terrain into a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

• a computer;
• a multi-axis cutting machine for cutting an object into a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, the cutting machine having a cutting tool for cutting material from the object and a driving device for driving the cutting tool in multiple axes in and around the object to be cut;
• and
• a computer readable medium containing an algorithm for converting the elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model and sequentially to a series of adjacent two dimensional contours in each of the cross-section planes, and an algorithm for controlling the multi-axis cutting machine.

A computer program product for controlling a hi-accuracy three-dimensional cutting apparatus for duplication terrain into a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

• a data translating module for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the terrain to be modeled and sequentially to a series of adjacent two dimensional contours within each of the cross-section planes;
• a cutting module for controlling a cutting device formed to cut an object so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model;
• and
• a multi-axis driving module for controlling a driving device operatively connected to the cutting device so as to move the cutting device along the two-dimensional contour of each of the cross-section planes.

A computer-implemented method for duplication terrain into a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

• providing a computer and a multi-axis cutting device;
• translating via the computer elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model and sequentially to a series of adjacent two-dimensional contours within each of the cross-section planes;
• and
• driving a multi-axis cutting device to cut an object in response to the two-dimensional contours of the cross-section planes so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model.