Cartographic Specifications

Cartographic Specifications

Updated 3D Map Model Release Notes

3D Print Settings

Unless otherwise specified for specific maps, I have designed the models for a 0.4 mm nozzle diameter and 0.1mm layer height. Recommended print settings are any multiples of these specs.

Map Variants Comparison

map variant comparison

Linear Scale: reflects the true elevation with a constant multiplier applied evenly across all the entire map to show sufficient detail.

Logarithmic Scale (incl: Square Root): exagerrates elevation differences in flat locations while smoothing out the pointyness of extreme elevations. Elevation detail is enhanced across the entire map at the cost of decreased accuracy.

Model Filename Chart

REGION-ESCALING-EXTRUDER-STYLE-REVISION-PIECE##.3mf
     │                       │
     └────────VARIANT────────┘
Definition Meaning
REGION REGION Abbreviation
ESCALING Linear or Square Root (sqrt) elevation scaling.
EXTRUDER Dual or Single color (extrusion) model
STYLE* (optional) Model special style or subregion. STYLE is only present when the model file is a special style or the model is exclusive to a special subregion.
REVISION Revision number. See release notes for the latest improvements.
PIECE##(optional) Interlocking pre-cut piece ## sized for 180 mm x 180 mm bed.

*Default STYLE is water features model located over submerged low lying lands. This submerged land may be visible when water layers are printed with a transparent filament. Default style minimizes usage of secondary (water) filament color. transparent style has water model features that extend all the way through the land for maximum light transmission when used with glow and transparent filaments.

If multi-part files are not present, I have not created interlocking models for this state yet. Follow me and comment with your request to get future additions and updates.

Lower 48 (Contiguous) USA Map with Borders

Map Specification Value Notes
Projection USA Contiguous Lambert Conformal Conic  
Horizontal Scale 1:20000000 (0.4mm:8000m) Effective resolution is 2000m x 2000m.
Vertical Scale (Linear) 1:500000 (0.1mm:50m) Vertical exaggeration is 40x.
Vertical Scale (Logarithm) 1:500000 (0.1mm:50m) Vertical exaggeration ranges from 27000-45x. Scaling is greater at lower elevation and lower at higher elevation. 45x is at ~5000m elevation.
3D Model Resolution 0.1mm  
Highlights State borders  
Model Base Thickness at Sea Level (Linear) 5mm  
Model Base Thickness at Sea Level (Logarithm) 2mm  

USA Individual Regions

Download on Printables

Map Specification Value Notes
Projection USA Contiguous Lambert Conformal Conic  
Projection (Alaska) NA Lambert Conformal Conic  
Projection (Hawaii) UTM zone 4N  
Horizontal Scale 1:2500000 (0.4mm:1000m) Effective resolution is 1000m x 1000m.
Horizontal Scale (Alaska) 1:2500000 (0.4mm:1000m) Effective resolution is 2000m x 2000m.
Vertical Scale (Linear) 1:500000 (0.1mm:50m) Vertical exaggeration is 5x. Elevations 0-40m are scaled between 0 and 0.8mm on a logarithmic scale for enhanced coastal detail.
Vertical Scale (Square Root) 1:500000 (0.1mm:50m) Vertical exaggeration ranges from 285-5x between sea level and ~4000m. Scaling is greater at lower elevation and lower at higher elevation, . Linear and Square Root elevation breakover at ~4000m.
3D Model Resolution 0.1mm  
3D Model Resolution (Alaska) 0.2mm  
Highlights Streams, Lakes, Coastlines  
Maritime Boundary Submerged Lands Act Seaward boundary of coastal states generally 3 or 9 nm from the coastline. Maritime boundaries are included in the dual print models.
Model Base Thickness at Sea Level ~0.9mm Additional +0.9mm (dual) / +0.4mm (single) for locations not covered by water.

USA Hyper Local Regions

Williamstown, MA, USA - Dual Color (NOV2023)

Download on Printables

Map Specification Value Notes
Projection UTM 18N  
Horizontal Scale 1:36000 (0.5mm:18m) Effective resolution is 20m x 20m.
Vertical Scale (Linear) 1:36000  
3D Model Resolution 0.2mm  
Highlights Water, Highways, Streets  
Model Base Thickness at Sea Level 0.0mm Additional +0.27mm for unhighlighted locations.

Oahu, HI, USA - Dual Color (NOV2023)

Download Regular

Download Low Poly

Map Specification Value Notes
Projection UTM 4N  
Horizontal Scale 1:500000 (0.4mm:200m) Effective resolution is 200m x 200m.
Vertical Scale (Linear) 1:100000 (0.1mm:10m) Vertical exaggeration is 5x. Elevations 0-40m are scaled between 0 and 0.8mm on a logarithmic scale for enhanced coastal detail.
Highlights Coastal Outline  
Model Base Thickness at Sea Level 1.2mm Additional +0.27mm for unhighlighted locations.

China

China model is at same scale as USA except for the following. Streams and base thickness are 4x thicker so that model can be more easily printed at 25% scale.

Download on Printables

Map Specification Value Notes
Projection Asia North Lambert Conformal Conic  
Horizontal Scale 1:2500000 (0.4mm:1000m) Effective resolution is 4000m x 4000m.
Vertical Scale (Linear) 1:500000 (0.1mm:50m) Vertical exaggeration is 5x. Elevations 0-40m are scaled between 0 and 0.8mm on a logarithmic scale for enhanced coastal detail.
Vertical Scale (Square Root) 1:500000 (0.1mm:50m) Vertical exaggeration is greater at lower elevation and lower at higher elevation, ranging from 285-5x between sea level and ~4000m. Linear and Square Root elevation breakover at ~4000m.
3D Model Resolution 0.2mm  
Highlights Streams, Lakes 4000m wide lines
Model Base Thickness at Sea Level ~1.2mm Additional +0.9mm (dual) / +0.4mm (single) for unhighlighted locations.