Mountains: Mapping the Earth's Extremes

by Stefan Dech, Reinhold Messner, Nils Sparwasser

Awe-inspiring views of high peaks as they have never been seen before, using cutting-edge satellite technology Mountains marks a new milestone in Earth observation and Alpine exploration. For the first time, a special recording process and a technique developed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) allow the satellite recording of three-dimensional views from 300 miles above with a resolution in the range of a few meters. Photorealistic images are created in this manner from perspectives denied even to mountaineers and helicopter pilots. In addition to highly accurate detailed models of individual regions, the DLR generates a global three-dimensional elevation model of Earth in unprecedented quality. For this purpose, two German satellites are currently circling the earth at a speed of more than 15,000 miles per hour―separated by a mere 500 feet. Taken together, both techniques offer a detailed view of a world that still pushes human beings to their limits―the mountainous regions of our planet. For this book Reinhold Messner has selected thirteen peaks and routes to feature, as they’ve never been seen before. 198 illustrations

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2016

Reviews

[Robert Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a big book, big and beautiful. I have read a great many books regarding mountain climbing but only know about mountains from my armchair. This book, Mountains: Mapping the Earth's Extremes by Stefan Dech, is as close as I will ever get, with photos that are spectacular.
The reader gets a sense of 3D with these very crisp and gorgeous photos, creating virtual landscapes that leap off the page. A history of each mountain, along with geology, ethnography, and random observations, along with these divine photos that give you a real sense of the wonders and the awe-inspiring power of these thirteen locations that are beyond the reach of most average individuals. The books also contain condensed history of mountaineering and historic ascents for the mountains that are covered. This books certainly seems to be a blend of science, technology, history and geography
Also helpful are the topographical maps overlaid on grayscale rendition. This is a book that can be picked up and viewed over and over to be enjoyed again and again.
Now when I read mountain climbing books I will keep this book handy so that the adventure will take on an addition level of excitement.
I also appreciate the weight of the paper and binding of the book. This is a quality book from beginning to end.
I receive the book in a giveaway sponsored by Goodreads

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thanks to GoodReads for this giveaway win. What a beautiful book!

The mountain images taken with this technology are amazing. As are the stories from the mountaineers (some of y'all are CRAZY (extremely impressive as well, but still seriously crazy! ;)). This book should appeal to a variety of people as I enjoyed it myself and I'm neither a mountain climber nor a geography geek. Overall, not only does this imaging technology create images that are beautiful to look at, but I hope it can be used to make conquering mountains safer.