Malibu Creek State Park Raised-Relief Visitor Map
WhiteClouds created a 42-by-50-inch raised-relief map for the Malibu Creek State Park Visitor Center using customized satellite imagery, park data, and an ADA-compliant oak pedestal.
- Project Group
- Malibu Creek Docents
- Location
- Malibu Creek State Park Visitor Center
- Display Size
- 42 x 50 x 38 inches
- Base
- ADA-compliant oak pedestal
- Installed
- November 2023
Visitors entering the Malibu Creek State Park Visitor Center can now examine the park as a raised physical landscape before choosing a route. WhiteClouds developed the map from materials supplied by the Malibu Creek Docents and California State Parks staff, combining trails, waterways, boundaries, and points of interest with customized satellite imagery.
Park data organized for one physical overview
The Malibu Creek Docents and park staff provided maps and location-specific data for the model. WhiteClouds organized that information so trails, creeks, key destinations, park limits, and changes in elevation could be read together rather than as separate reference layers.
A grant from the California State Parks Foundation supported the project. The completed display was introduced at the Visitor Center in November 2023.
Customized satellite imagery fitted to raised landforms
The map surface uses customized satellite imagery applied by hand across the three-dimensional terrain. Roads, developed areas, vegetation, ridges, drainage routes, and the reservoir remain visually distinct while following the changing elevations below.
Because the imagery follows physical slopes instead of a flat panel, alignment across ridges and valleys is part of the mapmaking work. The resulting view gives visitors both an overhead reference and a visible sense of landform.
An oak pedestal sized for accessible viewing
The complete display measures 42 inches long, 50 inches wide, and 38 inches high. Its custom oak pedestal was built as an ADA-compliant base and includes an integrated information panel beneath the map edge.
Planning a similar installation requires the terrain boundary, elevation and imagery sources, labels, intended viewing sides, accessible reach and circulation requirements, furniture material, delivery route, and available floor area.
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