Hobbyist looking for details.

[InuYasha]

I am a builder creating a 3D model trying to make it as accurate as possible. I want to build Shuri Castle. I need any accurate dimensions on buildings, I have many images, but it is hard to find dimensions such as door heights and or building foot print. Also hoping someone could tell me where I can find a topology map so I know what the landscape is like.

Can't build the stone walls if I don't know the areas the ground dips or rises. I know it is a big request. Maybe someone could point me in the right direction or something.

I haven't been in here long. And I haven't yet made many friends, but if someone is kind hearted, I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your time, (Bows respectfully).
InuYasha

[gtlm2000]

what kind of 3D CG soft do you use?

[InuYasha]

I use 3dsmax and opensim software. opensim is a GPL version of Secondlife. I hope to run simulators on my home PC that others can log into and enjoy the beauty of the virtual castle.

Sort of like an accurate version of "Call of Duty's" version only not blown up and ruined. Something for those of us who can't possibly make it out to Japan.

I am doing this with one eye. Diabeties took my other eye and I was told I could never fly becuase my one eye would bleed and I would never see again. This way I could enjoy taking a walk around a virtual version at least.

Thanks for being so quick to reply. I never expected any answer so quickly.

InuYasha.

(edit: Not so much Call of Duty. I just saw another vid clip on Youtube. I can build much better) ;)

[gtlm2000]

I use 3dsmax and opensim software. opensim is a GPL version of Secondlife. I hope to run simulators on my home PC that others can log into and enjoy the beauty of the virtual castle.

Sort of like an accurate version of "Call of Duty's" version only not blown up and ruined. Something for those of us who can't possibly make it out to Japan.

I am doing this with one eye. Diabeties took my other eye and I was told I could never fly becuase my one eye would bleed and I would never see again. This way I could enjoy taking a walk around a virtual version at least.

Thanks for being so quick to reply. I never expected any answer so quickly.

InuYasja.

3dsmax!? I used to use it when I was studying graphic design in college.
I forgot how to use it now, becasue after graduated college, I haven't
use it.

[Tanimaga]

Could you use Google Earth, and approximate the dimensions using the measuring tool, then use the elevation function to get an average land elevation?

[InuYasha]

Sorry if I sound a bit dumb on this. Is Google Earth different then Google Map data? Because on Google maps the images are at a strange angle and because it seems the satellite images are only so close, I can't see where the building ends and the shadows start. I will look, but actually never knew there was a way to check elevation. I will look again. However the castle buildings I hear are at 130M above sea level.

(Bowing in deep respect) Thanks.
InuYasha.

[Tanimaga]

Lots more options on Google Earth..

You should download it to check out the details.

I had an elevation map of my home in Ohio the other day, and it was right on the money.. can't seem to find the option now though.

[InuYasha]

OK, going to sound a bit lazy, but don't want to use my drive space for something that will not help me. How is the resolution on those elevation estimates? I mean, are the points on the map an averages in a spot covering 1 meter or as bad as an average within 100 meters?

Example, if your home that you checked was on a hill, and the driveway to your home was a meter lower then the back yard or house, would it show a difference, or is the entire area given the same height?

If this would work, and the resolution good enough, I would be willing to make the effort of going meter by meter on the map just to get it as close as possible to the real landscape.

It is a great idea, if Google Earth is detailed enough for that. I would accept less resolution, but I want to know before bothering to install. I am very busy, and with one good eye, need to rest it often. So my build time is limited on how long my eye holds out, before I need to take breaks.

Thanks very much for your ideas. I never thought of Google Earth for this before.

InuYasha.

[Tanimaga]

I don't think the resolution is quite what you're asking for.. but the measuring function in Google Earth is pretty good..

You can always erase the program after you are done too.

Length is hard to see, but 251.73 feet is the measurement.

[InuYasha]

I will give it a try. It looks much like their map, but apparently has more functions. Since I will use it for the castle measurements, I will see what the resolution of the land elevation is for myself. Thanks so much. You have been the most help I have gotten from anyone thus far.

[Crazysix]

doubt this will help but
http://web-japan.org/atlas/historical/his25.html
if you specific building dimension...you might be abe to call and get some help or references

Shurijo Castle Park Management Center
1-2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa 903-0815
TEL 098-886-2020

[Crazysix]

doubt this will help but
http://web-japan.org/atlas/historical/his25.html
if you specific building dimension...you might be abe to call and get some help or references

Shurijo Castle Park Management Center
1-2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri, Naha City, Okinawa 903-0815
TEL 098-886-2020

[Tanimaga]

I will give it a try. It looks much like their map, but apparently has more functions. Since I will use it for the castle measurements, I will see what the resolution of the land elevation is for myself. Thanks so much. You have been the most help I have gotten from anyone thus far.

Well, at least you could get the footprint close, then add the elevation later (assuming your program can.. I use Rhino 3D for most of my CNC apps, but the plug-ins would allow such things)

Good luck!

[InuYasha]

OK Crazy, now I have an address to. Thanks..

And yes 3dsmax has plug-ins that I think can help on that one.

Wow, now thanks to you both I have some new information to try out. I wish you all the best, good luck follow you on your endeavors.

[dk]

LOL, you don't have to quit the forum after just getting one answer. :p

[InuYasha]

Oh that wasn't my intention. I just ment that it might be a while befire I can reply for a while. I have a ton of work to try to complete so might not check in for a while.

Sorry if you thought I was going to just quit now.

[DesertDonn]

The site below looks like it may have something to help with your model. Apparently you can download printouts, about 36 pages, that you can cutout and assemble into a paper model of the castle. Maybe you can take some measurements of the printouts to help with your model.

http://cp.c-ij.com/en/contents/3152/03351/index.html

the link below also has some good detail on the castle

http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/001/index-e.html

[bli182_2001]

Shuri Castle is believed to have been built by King Satto at the end of the 14th century. The original Shuri Castle stood on a hill (130 meters above sea level) called Shuri Tonokura in Naha. This was the largest castle in Okinawa and measured 400 meters long from east to west, 270 meters long from north to south and 46,167 square kilometers in area. The castle was the headquarters of the Sho dynasty for 450 years -- from 1492 (when three kingdoms were unified on Okinawa) through 1879. Commodore Matthew Perry signed the Treaty of Peace and Amity at Shuri Castle in 1854

[P_chan]

Here are the pictures from way back when I was still single on the island, don't know if it will help. Ignore the picture of my dorm room:D

http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u44/SquallyZ06/Shuri-jo%20castle/

I might have more on my hard drive, I'll look later.

[InuYasha]

P_Chan, you have sent me some decent images that I already have shots of, but not at that angle. But I have been researching the castle for a few years now. I do have the, easy to find web pages. I know people are trying and I appreciate it, but wanted to let you all know, I do have the easy stuff and some not so easy. I was just thinking maybe some of you on here might have been there. Someone might have a booklet from the castle that is passed to the tourist, you could scan with info, like what I am looking for or something like that. I don't want to prevent answers, cause what might be easy to you, might not be to me. I just needed to tell you how long I have been putting information together.

Where I live, there is a fort that does that kind of thing. They give all kinds of info on that, as well as what books to borrow from the libraries for more information on its construction.

I found the Shuri Castle Restoration web pages. My issue with those, is that they don't tell enough. I need each building's dimensions, roof angles, and so on. I haven't had a chance to install Google Earth yet, but that was one heck of an idea.

And many of those photo shots from P-Chan I have already seen the objects, at other angles. But it is good to see some of those things from a fresh side I haven't already found online. That really helps get models more accurate all the way around.

The paper model although appreciated, not really anything I can use. It would be like trying to get an exact size and dimension from a kids toy. Kids don't care about scale. And the makers of paper models and kids toys know that.

But thanks for your interest and getting your two-cents in.