6 replies to this topic

[aboes]

Years ago I saw a 3-D map of Switzerland. It was a 'hollowed-out' piece of plastic with a printed map draped over a terrain model, which I wouldn't call digital, as digital did not exist in those days. Looked quite fancy. Nowadays one would call this an extruded map, draped over a DEM / DTM. Does anyone know where such 'maps' are available? Are they being made routinely yet?

TIA

andre boessenkool

[Hans van der Maarel]

Hello Andre,

They are being made, not sure how routinely though. Interkart.de sells them at quite reasonable prices (Switzerland is 55 euros)

[frax]

Hi there,

These kinds of maps are much more common in North America, compared to Europe. I remember reading an article about them a long time ago, describing it a bit like something falling out of fashion. If I remember correctly, it wasn't uncommon to have them in class rooms in the 60'ies and 70'ies. I am sure there are some people on the board that can tell us more - maybe Nat?

[aboes]

Hello Andre,

They are being made, not sure how routinely though. Interkart.de sells them at quite reasonable prices (Switzerland is 55 euros)

Thank you, Hans. I am waiting for further information from InterKart.
Andre

[Hans van der Maarel]

Thank you, Hans. I am waiting for further information from InterKart.

I can imagine shipping being quite pricy... I've never actually ordered anything from them myself, but the 3D Hawaii map is on my wishlist, if only I can clear up some wall space for it

[nshriver]

My Dad had one of these in his office when I was younger and it always facinated me. Here is a description of how Hubbard Scientific manufactures these things:

"Hubbard Scientific is the largest manufacturer of Raised Relief Maps (Bumpy Maps) in the United States. They begin with a flat map printed on sturdy vinyl. They then construct a terrain model using digital elevation data from the USGS and other sources. The vinyl map is carefully registered with the terrain mold. Once the registration of the map is complete, it is vacuum formed over the terrain model. The result is a truly exceptional visual and tactile reference. You will be proud to display one of these raised relief maps in any setting."

Seems like a big market for these are for educational purposes to get kids excited about geography in school. If anyone is interested here are a few links I found while researching the topic a while back:

What the USGS has to say about raised relief maps
Where Hubbard Scientific sells their maps
Wikipedia Article

[Matthew Hampton]

I went to the site below and saw the possibility of purchasing a raised relief map from Raven Maps?

I wonder if they are "actual" Raven maps of just colored similarly and marketed as such?

Where Hubbard Scientific sells their maps