Welcome to the beautiful world of Physical 3D Relief Maps!
3D maps inspire travelers and landscape lovers from all over the world. They bring to life a location or terrain near to an adventurer’s heart.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about 3D Maps, from understanding how they are made to finding the perfect map as a hiking gift for the mountain lover in your life.
Want to check out 3d Maps? See our Mt. Rainier Bronze Map
Want a custom 3d Bronze Map? Custom Work
View a guide of the process below
What we'll cover in this guide:
- What is a physical 3D Map?
- Types of 3D Maps
- Where does 3D Map data come from?
- Materials used for 3D Topographic Maps
- 3D Maps Examples (City, Mountain, Lakes, National Parks)
- How 3D Maps Are Made
- Where To Buy 3D Maps (Over 30+ 3D Map Retailers)
What is a physical 3D Map?
A physical 3D Map is a scaled down (reduced in size) representation of a physical location or terrain. These maps are sometimes referred to as “physical terrain maps”, “raised relief maps”, or “3D topography map.” Three-dimensional maps help bring your favorite locations to life.
3D Maps have a wide range of uses. From decorative art pieces (as 3D Terrain Art or 3D Topographic Art) as well as informational tools for terrain mapping, geospatial analysis or even large scale architectural models.
3D Maps usually have “vertical exaggeration” applied. This is done by exaggerating the height of landmarks between 10% - 1000%. Or simply, the mountains are stretched up to appear higher. This helps increase the visual recognition of mountains, buildings, or other notable features.
Types of 3D Maps
3D Maps come in all shapes and sizes for many different use cases. There are two main use cases for 3D Maps: Scientific & Artistic
Scientific 3D Maps
Scientific 3D Maps are used by scientists, outdoorsmen, and travelers alike. The main purpose of scientific 3d maps are to convey specific information about a location or terrain. These maps will show precise elevation locators, realistic colors of landscapes, as well as common landmark or city names.
Above shows a “plastic vacuum-formed map” with a terrain. This method is a common way to show vineyard landscapes or even entire states. Source: American Educational Products
Above shows a very large installation of a 3D map made by Solid Terrain Modeling. These are wonderful displays in museums, hotel lobbies, or prominent buildings. Source: Solid Terrain Modeling
Artistic 3D Maps
Artistic 3D Maps are widely used to decorate a home or office. They are wonderful gifts for mountain lovers, nature lovers, or anyone with a landmark close to their heart.
These terrain maps have exploded in popularity over the past years through the rise in Wooden Topographic Maps, Wood Lake Maps and Nautical Art Maps. These wooden lake maps commonly show bathymetry (underwater elevation) and are used for cabins and homes.
Above shows a picture of Lake Tahoe Wood Map. Check out the beautiful wood coloring representing the drop in underwater elevation
Above shows Terra Mano’s Lake Tahoe & Rainier Bronze Map. Notice the beautiful detail within the bronze representing the ridges and mountains.
Where does 3D Map data come from?
In order to make a beautiful raised relief map, you need to first start with elevation data. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) are the key to this whole process. DEMs are a digital representation of terrain on the earth’s surface. DEMs are used for everything from farming, military, cell towers, and urban planning.
DEM data is captured by satellites, LIDAR, photographs and many other ways. You can download a wide range of DEM data that is publically available on the USGS National Map Viewer.
DEMs show an elevation for a physical location. Above is a “point cloud” showing buildings.
Above shows a grayscale heightmap that is used for some DEMs. The “white” pixels represent higher elevation and the darker pictures show lower elevation.
Datasets are commonly referenced by their resolution. A “⅓ Arc Second” dataset will have an elevation data point every ⅓ Arc Second, or roughly 10 meters (~30 feet). See below for common DEM resolutions.
Source: vterrain.org
Materials used for generating physical 3D topography
Many different materials can be used to make a 3D Terrain. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and appeal to different audiences. It’s important to pick the right one for yourself or a gift for others.
Metal - Terra Mano - Lake Tahoe
Plastic Vacuum Formed - UZLEX
Wood - Elevated Wood Working - USA Map
3D printing - Microscape - Manhatten
Foam - Solid Terrain Modeling - Storm King Mountain
Examples of 3D Maps Locations
These Raised Relief Maps show a variety of locations. Everything from Maps of the USA to maps of your favorite National Parks and mountain ranges. The sky's the limit when it comes to what you can show on a raised topographic map
National Parks - Yosemite - Reddit (u/3DMapArt)
Single Mountain - Mount Fuji - TinyMtn
Vacation Locations - Lake Tahoe - Terra Mano
City Scapes - Denver, USA - Parametrix
Lakes/Ocean (Bathymetry) - San Francisco, California - Below The Boat
Other Planets - Moon - TerrainianSpaceGlobe
How 3D Maps are made
Advances in geospatial capturing capabilities, as well as advances in manufacturing technology (3D Printing, etc.) have allowed consumers to take advantage of terrain maps.
Metal Cast
The process of pouring molten metal into cavities or molds in order to manufacture objects has been around since 6000 BC. A mold can be made from nearly any object. This makes it ideal for producing very high quality terrains and mountain art.
At Terra Mano, we start with a 3D print (below) of a mountain and use this to create a mold which will be cast into. Check out our Lake Tahoe Bronze Cast as an example.
3D printing
Source: RCLifeOn - Youtube
3D printing is a relatively recent technology, but it is quickly becoming available to consumers. Companies like Shapeways and 3D Hubs make it incredibly easy to print any object you want, including landscapes and mountains.
The most common method of 3D printing is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Think of it as a hot glue gun shooting out liquid plastic onto a flat surface. Soon as the terrain model builds layer by layer, mountains and landscapes will start to form. There are other 3D printing methods (stereolithography, etc.) that can be used, each with different pros and cons.
See a video of this process here
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
A computer-numerical-control machine (CNC Machine) is a form of subtractive manufacturing. Using a CNC Machine, a solid block of material (commonly metal or wood) is drilled or chipped away until the final form is presented. Think of a sculpture who carves a statue out of a solid piece of rock.
Many of the companies making wood topography maps use this process to carve their creations out of wood.
The disadvantage of the CNC process for physical topography is cost and time to make each product.
Source: ToolsToday - Youtube
Above is a picture of the CNC process carving out mountains from a piece of wood
Vacuum Forming
Finally, a very common way to create scientific raised relief maps is to use Vacuum Forming. Vacuum forming is the process of heating a sheet of plastic until it is malleable, and then pushing it onto a surface mold, via a vacuum.
The advantage of vacuum forming is the ability to easily recreate many maps repeatedly. The disadvantage of vacuum forming is the resolution, or level of detail, that you can get. Often these maps are used over large areas to show rolling hills.
See a video of Vacuum forming a raised map here
Good Resources to see more examples
- View MiniCity's Handmade City Models list
Where to buy 3D Maps
Below is a list of many different places to buy raised relief maps. Find the one that is best suited for your use case.
Have any questions or comments? Let us know at contact@terramano.co
| Company | Type | Primary Material | Notes |
| Terra Mano | Art | Bronze |
Beautiful Bronze 3D Terrains
|
| Map Sculpture | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains available
|
| Elevated Woodworking | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains available
|
| Solid Terrain Modeling | Scientific / Art | Foam |
Awesome large scale terrain. Complex and custom jobs
|
| Pangea | Art | Wood |
Beautiful oceans and lakes available. Ability to customize your map location
|
| Wooden Maps | Art | Wood |
Custom Locations Available
|
| goodwoodglobes | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains available
|
| 3D Wood maps | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains + Lakes available
|
| The 3D Map Company | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains + Lakes available
|
| Microscape | Art | Plastic |
Beautiful City Scapes 3D printed
|
| White Clouds | Scientific / Art | Various |
Made to order custom
|
| Nautical Wood Maps | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains + Lakes available
|
| Below The Boat | Art | Wood |
Beautiful Wood Mountains + Lakes available
|
| 3D Relief | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic | XXL Maps available |
| Map Shop | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic |
Many maps available, small section of raised relief maps
|
| World Maps Online | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic | Large selection |
| American Educational Products | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic | Competitive pricing |
| Raised Relief Maps | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic |
Every state available, competitive pricing
|
| Only Globes | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic |
Many maps available, small section of raised relief maps
|
| 1 World Globes | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic |
Many maps available, small section of raised relief maps
|
| vW Maps | Scientific / Art | Various |
Beautiful maps in a large size range
|
| Geo Mart | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic |
Every state available, competitive pricing
|
| Metskers | Scientific / Art | Various |
3D Wood Charts available
|
| Summit Terragraphics | Scientific / Art | Various |
Beautiful Accurate 3D Maps
|
| Map Uzlex | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic | Limited Selection |
| Maps Worldwide | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic | Large selection |
| Science First | Scientific | Vacuum Formed Plastic | Limited Selection |
| Chisel & Mouse | Art | Handcrafted | Beautiful & Detailed |
Terra Mano creates beautiful handcrafted maps and products of Americas Favorite Landscapes