In the age of digital everything, there’s still something captivating about a beautiful, tactile map you can hold, admire, and display. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a geography lover, a skier, or someone wanting to commemorate a favorite landscape, custom 3D topographic maps turn data into stunning works of art. These maps combine precision technology with creative craftsmanship, producing one-of-a-kind pieces that reveal the hidden stories of our world’s terrain. But with so many options out there, where should you turn? We’ve done the research and compiled this list of the Top 10 Best Places to order custom 3D topographic maps—each with its own style, specialty, and little-known charms.
#1: WhiteClouds
WhiteClouds stands out as one of the most innovative and versatile places to order custom 3D topographic maps. Based in Utah, WhiteClouds operates one of the largest full-color 3D printing facilities in the world. They can create virtually any landscape—from national parks to river basins to personal backyards—with breathtaking realism and detail. Their team uses a blend of LiDAR data, USGS maps, GIS software, and high-resolution satellite imagery to craft each map. The results are vivid and precise, whether you want a raised relief map the size of a coffee table or a small desktop version. One hidden gem of ordering from WhiteClouds: their in-house artists often add subtle shading and textural flourishes that make the maps feel alive. A ski resort client once requested a 3D map of their runs, and WhiteClouds created a version that even captured tree lines and snow shadows. Fun fact: they’ve also fabricated 3D maps for museums, military applications, and Hollywood sets.
#2: Terrain Models
Terrain Models is a boutique operation known for museum-quality craftsmanship. They use CNC machining and hand-finished techniques to create maps with sculptural beauty. If you want a piece that feels almost like fine art, this is your place. Their wood-framed relief maps are often used in corporate boardrooms, government offices, and private lodges. One little-known offering: Terrain Models can incorporate materials like bronze, glass, and exotic hardwoods for an ultra-premium presentation. Their founder, a cartographer-turned-artist, once created a one-off map of Yosemite that now hangs in the Sierra Club headquarters.
#3: Solid Terrain Modeling
Located in Santa Barbara, Solid Terrain Modeling specializes in physical 3D maps that are designed for heavy use. Many of their clients are ski resorts, national parks, and visitor centers, where the maps are touched and interacted with daily. They use durable materials and proprietary finishing techniques to stand up to years of handling. A fun behind-the-scenes detail: the company started when a couple of ski bums wanted a better way to visualize mountain terrain. One of their early models helped the U.S. Forest Service plan wildfire mitigation in the Rockies.
#4: Muir Way
For those who love the aesthetic side of maps, Muir Way offers stunning custom 3D maps printed on archival paper or canvas. They create raised effect maps through layered printing processes, giving a tactile sense of elevation. One of their most popular products is the personalized “My Hometown” series, where you can request a map of any region—perfect for gifts or home decor. An anecdote: a customer once ordered a custom 3D map of the Appalachian Trail as an anniversary present, with personal notes added along the route. Muir Way also takes inspiration from vintage USGS maps, adding a layer of nostalgia to their creations.
#5: Gray Owl Design
Gray Owl Design combines modern 3D printing with old-school cartography to produce lightweight and eye-catching 3D maps. Their products often end up in modern offices, classrooms, and tech startups because of their sleek look. They’re known for turning complex scientific data into beautiful 3D visuals. One cool hidden gem: they can integrate LED lighting behind the map to highlight certain features, like river flow or city lights. Gray Owl once created a stunning illuminated map of Icelandic volcanoes for a geology conference.
#6: RaisedRelief
As their name suggests, RaisedRelief focuses entirely on creating custom 3D raised relief maps, usually printed in full color and mounted on durable substrates. They work with a wide range of clients, from backpackers wanting a map of their favorite trail, to property developers showcasing new landscapes. A fun fact: RaisedRelief often collaborates with universities for educational models, and their maps have been used in outdoor leadership programs across the U.S. They’re also one of the few mapmakers that can handle bulk orders for retail shops.
#7: 3D Print Terrain
3D Print Terrain is a rising star in the world of custom 3D topo maps, thanks to their quick turnaround and affordable pricing. They cater heavily to hobbyists, gamers, and model railroaders who want precise miniature terrain pieces. Their customer base includes many Dungeons & Dragons fans who order fantasy-themed 3D maps, as well as outdoor athletes looking for race course models. One little-known fact: the owner got started by making 3D-printed battlefield models for historical war-gaming. Their models are surprisingly detailed for the price point.
#8: GeoTiff Designs
GeoTiff Designs serves the crossover audience of cartographers, scientists, and visual artists. They specialize in converting geospatial data into stunning visual forms—whether 3D prints or layered 2D+3D hybrid maps. They’re also one of the few custom mapmakers who embrace open-source data and community mapping. A neat anecdote: GeoTiff once created a limited-run series of 3D Mars topography maps for a space enthusiast group. They also offer transparent overlays that reveal changes in terrain over time.
#9: East Grove Studio
East Grove Studio produces hand-finished wooden relief maps with an artisanal flair. Using layers of laser-cut wood, they assemble topographic maps that blend modern precision with natural materials. They’re a favorite among interior designers and gift-givers looking for unique home decor pieces. One of their standout products is a large wooden map of U.S. National Parks. Fun trivia: the founder started out as an architect and originally made layered wooden models for building designs—then pivoted to topography. Each piece from East Grove has a story built into its grain.
#10: Conquer the Map
Conquer the Map takes a playful, personal approach to 3D maps. They offer fun, interactive products like scratch-off 3D relief maps and puzzle maps, along with fully custom 3D prints of your favorite locations. Popular with younger audiences and families, these maps often become conversation pieces. A cool hidden gem: they can embed QR codes into the map that link to photos, travel logs, or GPS coordinates, turning each map into a digital memory book. One customer created a “proposal map” that revealed the engagement location through a 3D puzzle!
Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer, an academic, a nature lover, or simply someone who loves beautiful objects, a custom 3D topographic map can capture the soul of a landscape in a way few things can. From high-tech 3D prints to hand-carved wooden works of art, the places on this list offer something for everyone. And who knows—you might just discover a new corner of the world you want to commemorate forever.
