Commission Piece Maps - How it Works
Maps that stand out.
3D printed topography maps are a brilliant and unique way of understanding a landscape. We endeavour to make the commissioning process both personable and enjoyable.
Standard commission can be purchased through our Commission Listing via our store. For larger projects get in touch about a quote!
You Request it.
It all starts with a favorite location: a place of happy memories. A destination you’ve always wanted to visit. A landscape you think looks dramatic. From the commission listing, filling in the associated form. Tell us the key location and a general area and we’ll look into what’s possible. Topographical data for more or less anywhere in the world can be found, the quality does vary from location to location. The British coastline has excellent 3D elevation data while other more remote parts of the world can be determined in less detail. Just because somewhere looks detailed in 2D images on google maps doesn’t mean detail 3D data is available. However, we’re still often surprised, we’ve printed everywhere from Scottish islands to Martian mountains in high detail.
We design it.
Once you’ve got in touch, we’ll look at the request and reply as quickly as we can (a few days) with an initial mockup and a few questions. Firstly, we’ll consider the setting of the map - usually, a map will be either oblong or square. Also, we’ll ask how much area you want to include in your map, that is the scale/zoom of the setting. Generally, the more interesting features, and less sea the better. Finally, you’ll have to think about how big you want the map to be on your wall. Generally, the size falls into small, medium or large. There can be some to-and-fro over a few days to create the design of your ideal map. Once the design is agreed, simply purchase the size requested and we’ll get to printing.
We Make it.
Printing usually takes several days or weeks depending on the size of the map. Once the digital model has been produced as a real-world PLA plastic print we go about finishing it. Sanding the pieces, ironing out the imperfections. Next, we measure the pieces and mark out a frame if requested - each frame is made in-house especially, out of pine, plywood, and wood glue. The plastic pieces are sprayed with a paint primer. Before the intricate work of hand painting the map in a naturalistic style begins. Generally, the painting takes as long as the printing time. Purchase to dispatch usually takes 2-3 weeks for smaller maps, or 4-6 weeks for larger ones. We generally use DPD who deliver worldwide.
