I thought he meant cliffs more or less with the canyons actually being somewhat level to the "base"? As in the cliffs laying on top of the landscape, creating a canyon?
Also, I'm thinking I have an idea. I think it's the absolute easiest way to make this thing and it will prevent there from being major problems with the setup. Please hear me out here.
First off, look at the below diagram from Glassman's latest concept (which is EXCELLENT), which I have altered and am going to make some suggestions on.
You will see there are 4 red numbers on the diagram now. Each of these represents a specific section of the scene.
Section # 1 - These are Patreek's cliffs/canyons. He gets specific measurements and makes them, and sends them to Phruby. Phruby will add them to the #1 section. Patreek could even make a few more rocks for Phruby to distribute throughout the landscape once on site.
Section # 2 - This is the main lanscape strip. Cutting this down to a smaller area as Glassman did with the design will benefit the project. Using the ready-mats is an idea way of going about this. This section can be premade. Maybe Ryan will take this on, he has a huge talent for the landscape. It would go all the way to the top where the # 1 area is, but would be a "base" for the area designated as # 1. It is also very important that the right side have some "overlay" that can be covered by the # 3 section on site so there is not a gap. Shouldn't be too hard.
Section # 3 - This is a LOT easier than it sounds like. It needs a couple of things to start with - a frame wall to go around the base. I say we have someone make the walls in sections - but make them modular. As in several pieces so once on-site, if there is any sort of problem with dimensions, they can just be re-arranged on site tp prevent any problems. This is probably going to need to be made from foamcore. This week I hear Michael's has their foamcore on sale for $1.00 per sheet. The only things that need to be pre-made are the walls and the buildings. The floor can be cheap stone tiles (please, please trust me on this) in a gray color, they will look like concrete. Perfect for an Imperial city. Assembly will be 10 minutes on site to lay them out. If we don't have enough buildings to fill it out, that can easily be remedied by adding a couple AT-ST's standing guard within the city walls.
Section # 4 - Spaceport... not too hard I wouldnt think, but then again I may not know exactly what you guys have in mind for this. Can the left wall really just be the "right wall" from the city? Would all we need is a strip for ships to land? And some sort of fleet security, maybe a loader craft, and some sort of security point for the pilots to go to that leads to the city? The ground for this could be stone tiles too, just a different color. Heck on site someone could even paint a few landing strips on them. Simple... the tiles can all be done ON SITE and only take a few minutes. Should be stone tiles though, not plastic or vinyl.
We just need to narrow down who is responsible for what. I say no Rebel base, we have no room for it. Just a few Rebels running around like in Battlefront.
Also, I'm working on a building for the city. It's pretty tall, and it's not done yet. But I plan on getting it done within a month.
I'm also sending this so you can count on it for a building.
Also something similar to this you'll be getting from me -
Those last two things are priceless items to me, so I really hope I will get them back.
Also, what about a centerpiece of the action, with Vader choking a Jedi he has found, with a group of Stormtroopers surrounding him?