In May 2024, I stood in Yosemite Valley, surrounded by towering granite walls. The views were stunning, but something felt incomplete—standing within the embrace of the mountains, I couldn't see it all at once. I wish I could glide from El Capitan to Half Dome, seeing the valley as a bird might, with the freedom of flight.
That feeling sparked the idea for this project: a series of four video artworks created from GIS data. Using GIS and 3D-modeling tools, I turned precise geographical data into immersive visual journeys, merging scientific accuracy with artistic expression, inspired by the memories of my time in Yosemite.
The centerpiece of this series is a smooth journey from El Capitan to Half Dome, carefully paced to allow viewers to absorb the relationships between Yosemite's iconic formations. It is complemented by three focused scenes, each offering a closer, more intimate exploration of the valley’s landmarks.
12-second loop
24-second loop
24-second loop
By blending art styles, colors and motion, the series celebrates the natural beauty of Yosemite while invites the audiences to experience the landscape with the freedom of imagination.
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Technical Implementation:
- Data accuracy: Real-world geographical data from USGS and OSM ensures fidelity to Yosemite's geography.
- Visual references: Colors and textures are derived from Google Maps, photographs, and on-site sketches.
- Digital craftsmanship: Modern digital tools like CloudCompare, QGIS, and Blender were employed to process the geographical data and reconstruct the landscape in 3D.
- Accessibility: Bold black outlines contrast clearly. Tested with Color Blindness Simulator for color accessibility.
About
I'm Wendy Shijia Wang, a data visualization designer and 3D artist from Shanghai, China. I love finding ways to mix data with art, and I often join creative community challenges to try new things. This series was first shared on Linkedin as part of the 30-day Map Challenge in November 2024.
Discover more of Wendy’s work at wendyshijia.com