Unseen Extremes: Mapping the World’s Greatest Mountains

Unseen Extremes marks a new milestone in Earth observation and Alpine exploration, presenting thirteen of the world’s great mountains in a manner never seen before. The German Centre for Aviation and Space Travel created very precise digital pictures of the mountains with the aid of satellite photographs taken from a height of several hundred kilometres. Scientists used these to produce models of the terrain, which were finally turned into photorealistic, `virtual’ views from perspectives and heights that had been hitherto impossible. They capture all the individual features of these giant mountains as an almost tangible reality – the third dimension as a brand new experience. The location of the virtual camera at various places in the topographical map gives a precise picture of the three-dimensional form of each mountain, while infographics and descriptions of the geology, glaciology, geography and climatology detail its individual characteristics. These mountain portraits are completed by personal accounts written by some of the finest climbers in the world and accompanied by a selection of authentic photographs. The accounts from different eras join together with the latest satellite technology, the history of climbing, and the geographical background knowledge to create a unique and comprehensive picture of the mountains and their trail-blazing climbers.