Safe Software's FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) is a data conversion tool. Using this tool and ArcGIS DEMs, shapefiles and polygons, we were able to convert these files into Minecraft.
By using a combination of readers, writers, and transformers, applying offsetters and organizing the raster bands, FME transformed simple files into an environment that will allow children to build and develop a greater understanding of the regions around them.
Starting with the boundaries of the Niagara Region, the boundaries were clipped and separated to create individual geodatabases for the 12 municipalitites.
Each geodatabases contained: Streams, Highways, Roads, Hydrology, a boundary file and two rasters.
One raster contained the elevation data and the second was created by combining water well data and a collection of borehole files which was used to identify the depth to bedrock. All files were collected from Niagara Region Open data and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Onario.
Next the files were incorporated into the FME platform using a reader and specifying Esri Shapefiles. Then, through a process of readers, writers, and transformers FME output what was originally a flat map, into a 3D Minecraft World!
One raster contained the elevation data and the second was created by combining water well data and a collection of borehole files which was used to identify the depth to bedrock. All files were collected from Niagara Region Open data and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Onario.
Next the files were incorporated into the FME platform using a reader and specifying Esri Shapefiles. Then, through a process of readers, writers, and transformers FME output what was originally a flat map, into a 3D Minecraft World!