This is clearly ground based - those shuttle are immense, way bigger than DS9's runabouts. How are those going to fit into the Enterprise?
Kinda reminds me of Hangar One at NASA Ames/Moffett Field in Mountain View, CA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangar_One_(Mountain_View,_California)
I'm glad I wasn't the only one to notice that.
Or maybe, "If I'm not careful, I'll end up talking to myself."
I really hope so!
You know, I still think that was a great moment.
So whats up with the this mined area? Anyone know?
Well, any attempt to construct the arcologies in the back would require alot of raw materials, at least in the early years of construction before more advanced materials and tech was developed.
It's more than possible that Mines like that are a result of such massive construction projects.
However, I think that that wasn't a mine so much as it was the preliminary excavation before one is built. As an arcology requires a deep "basement" if you will, with the base built on bedrock and there being many levels of Industrial and Power generation plants under ground with the towers containing the comerical and residential areas, it is a logical standpoint.
Also, with the population, and comerical and industrial industries located in the arcologies, and with the possiability of mass transit being primarily located underground, it explains the "farm wasteland" of the areas inbetween, the lack of established (and nature unfriendly) paved roads.
At least, that's my theory. JJ and the crew behind it seem to be tapping into many fields of future design, science, and other concepts that GR liked and even included in his TMP novelization, but never touched on screen.
I'm sure TGT could go more into the details of the "future earth" as envisioned by GR and the production for phase II/TMP.