Cover Stories: issue 105 by Sean Conway

Cover Stories: issue 105 by Sean Conway

3D imagery, vintage Swiss cartography and the Jungfrau

Rouleur mountains Words: Ian Cleverly

JUNGFRAU, SWISS ALPS

When Sean Conway attended university to study accountancy, a poster he spotted explaining the concept of geography information system (GIS) mapping led to a sudden change of direction. Cartography, specifically ortho-imagery – essentially aerial or satellite photos utilised by the likes of Google Earth – became his obsession and his career. 

Accountancy’s loss was cartography’s gain, we suggest. “I think so too,” says Sean from his home in Kentucky, as we discuss the process behind producing this amazingly detailed 3D image of the 4,158-metre Jungfrau in the Bernese Alps.

He began experimenting with the technique a year ago, taking vintage maps and overlaying elevation detail and georeferencing data to form unique works of art that elevate the beauty of cartography to another plane. Six months later, he had mastered the software and was ready to produce prints of amazing locations worldwide.

Why Switzerland, we wondered? “The Swiss led the way in artistic but informative maps. They developed the whole hill shading technique in 2D, so I am taking what the original Swiss cartographers were intending – a realistic hill shade to the maps – but adding 3D shadows to it.”

Buy Issue 105 here



The question begs to be asked: does Sean use an old school map when out exploring, or some kind of GPS device? “I don’t take anything. My daughter and me like to drive out into the country and, if we see an interesting road, drive down it and explore. If you have a device with you, you can always turn it on as back up, but there’s usually someone to ask if you are totally lost.”

Hurrah for maps. And for exploring the unknown.

Rouleur mountains Words: Ian Cleverly

READ MORE

Strength, faith and resilience: Egan Bernal is back at the Giro d’Italia

Strength, faith and resilience: Egan Bernal is back at the Giro d’Italia

The Colombian rider’s performance on the first summit finish has announced him as a serious general classification contender once more, three years on from the...

Leggi di più
A tale of two tactics: The first summit finish of the Giro brings more questions than answers about pink jersey battle

A tale of two tactics: The first summit finish of the Giro brings more questions than answers about pink jersey battle

Red Bull pace all day only for Primož Roglič to be out of position and lose time to Juan Ayuso

Leggi di più
Giro d'Italia 2025 stage eight preview: An up and down day in Le Marche

Giro d'Italia 2025 stage eight preview: An up and down day in Le Marche

A tricky Tirreno-Adriatico style stage offers an opportunity for a breakaway to take victory

Leggi di più
Neutralisations, protests and lopsided lead-outs - It's bedlam at the Giro d'Italia

Neutralisations, protests and lopsided lead-outs - It's bedlam at the Giro d'Italia

Inside the craziest day of the race so far on a rain-soaked stage six around Naples

Leggi di più
How does the loss of Jai Hindley affect Primož Roglič's Giro d'Italia bid?

How does the loss of Jai Hindley affect Primož Roglič's Giro d'Italia bid?

Red Bull rider crashes out of the Giro d’Italia on stage six

Leggi di più
Peloton at the 2024 Giro d'Italia

Giro d'Italia 2025 stage seven preview: The first summit finish

The first of two proper mountain top finishes in this Giro will be the first serious test of the general classification contenders

Leggi di più

READ RIDE REPEAT

JOIN ROULEUR TODAY

Get closer to the sport than ever before.

Enjoy a digital subscription to Rouleur for just £4 per month and get access to our award-winning magazines.

SUBSCRIBE