In 1990, Lawrence Faulkner began research and development work on a computerized solid terrain modeling machine. Over a three-year period he designed, tested and built the production hardware, electronic interface and customized software.

In August 2000, Solid Terrain Modeling Inc was founded by Lawrence Faulkner and Mark Fisher. Leading a highly talented R&D group, Mark Fisher, created and developed the concepts and processes for a revolutionary printing process to allow full color photo realistic imagery to be added on the dimensional surface of terrain models, producing models of unmatched accuracy, realism and beauty.

STM's modeling services are rapidly being adopted by museums, national and state parks, law firms, emergency response groups (fire, police, search and rescue), land management offices (construction, civil engineering, real estate, recreation), developers, transportation agencies, utilities (oil, gas, hydro), architects, museums, military, federal, state and municipal agencies, the U.S. Department of Defense and others. Companies and agencies that need to communicate clearly, educate at all skill levels, and bring the planning process to a new level, seek out STM models.

Seventeen STM models of world landmarks are now on permanent display at the National Geographic Society's Explorers Hall museum in Washington, DC.

STM recently unveiled the worlds largest terrain model which is the centerpiece of the "BC Experience" Geographic Discovery Center in Victoria's Historic Crystal Garden. This spectacular three-dimensional full- color model is 40 feet by 74 feet, shows the curvature of the earth covering the entire Province of British Columbia.