This is the final graphic. I created this in Adobe Illustrator CS3.
How I created the 3D cross-section of river basin.
I first traced a flat version of the sediment levels from a chart. I scanned the chart and placed it in Illustrator as a template. This is the chart I traced over in Illustrator.
Next, I grouped all of the art elements of the chart and then went under the EFFECT'S pull down menu and selected the 3D, Extrude and Bevel. The top image is the flat view and the bottom one is 3D view. I then hit EXPAND, located under the Object pull down menu.
Once the 3D image was expanded I could go in and change colors as needed.
Creating the river
Again, I had a map of the Susquehanna River, which I scanned in and used as a template in Illustrator.
To get a more hand-drawn look to the river I used the Art brush palettes.
The white pointer boxes' transparency is set to multiply at 70% opacity. I did this so the boxes would blend in with the rest of the graphic.
This graphic will be published in Sunday's Daily Record/Sunday News.
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