Matt Brealey's head

Areo

Areo

Link

What is it?

Areo is a custom Mac app designed for opening, viewing and converting Digital Terrain Models in the .IMG format.

The released version (available above) was designed specifically to quickly open .IMG files generated from HiRISE imagery, and convert them into .OBJ files at a given proxy level (1/2, 1/4, 1/8 etc.). It also includes the ability to generate 3D-printable versions of these models.

It was originally created as part of a month-long project I set myself, to see if I could both understand the data structure, and create a tool that not only opens the files quickly, but also converts them into a useful, more-accessible 3D format.

I have been working on a newer version of this app which expands the amount of file formats, and implements a command-line version of the featureset. This new version currently forms part of my Areo Browser data pipeline, and I plan on documenting and releasing it here in the near future.

Features

Thanks to Areo's crafty use of image proxying, it takes just 4 seconds to load and process a 1.15gb DTM.
Fast. Very Fast.
Thanks to Areo's crafty use of image proxying, it takes just 4 seconds to load and process a 1.15gb DTM.
Areo can quickly export a UV'd OBJ file of the current model for use in other 3D applications.
OBJ Export
Areo can quickly export a UV'd OBJ file of the current model for use in other 3D applications.
In a few clicks, Areo allows you to generate fully 3D-printable models that can be easily uploaded to your 3D-printing service of choice.
Generate 3D-Printable Models
In a few clicks, Areo allows you to generate fully 3D-printable models that can be easily uploaded to your 3D-printing service of choice.

Todo List

  • Clean-up the code in v2 and release