About Topographic Art
What is topographic art?
Topographic art transforms elevation data into visual artwork using contour lines — the same lines you see on hiking maps. Each line represents a specific elevation, so when stacked together, they create a portrait of the terrain's shape. At Topo Prints, we use satellite-derived elevation data to generate minimalist contour art of any location on Earth.
How do contour lines work?
Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. If you walked along a contour line, you'd stay at the same altitude the entire time. When contour lines are close together, the terrain is steep; when they're far apart, it's gentle. Our prints use multiple contour intervals stacked together, creating a visual fingerprint of the landscape's shape.
Where does the elevation data come from?
Our elevation data comes from the Mapzen Terrain Tiles service, which aggregates multiple satellite-based elevation datasets including SRTM, GMTED2010, and other high-resolution terrain sources. This data is derived from radar measurements taken from space, capturing the actual shape of Earth's surface at high resolution.
What makes Topo Prints different from other map art?
Three things: 1) Real data — every line represents actual satellite-measured elevation, not stylized illustration. 2) True customization — you pick the exact location and framing, generated on demand. 3) Global coverage — anywhere on Earth, from famous peaks to your childhood home. Most "custom map art" uses generic templates; our prints are genuinely unique.
Ordering & Customization
How do I order a custom topographic print?
Ordering is simple: 1) Search for any location on Earth using our map interface. 2) Adjust the view to frame the area you want. 3) Customize the contour detail level, line style, and colors. 4) Preview your design in real-time. 5) Choose your print size and checkout. Your print is generated on-demand and ships within 3-5 business days.
What locations can I create prints of?
Any location on Earth with terrain features. Our elevation data covers the entire globe, from Himalayan peaks to Scottish highlands to your hometown. Mountains, valleys, coastlines, islands, and even subtle rolling hills all work well. The more dramatic the elevation change, the more striking the print — but even gentle terrain creates beautiful, minimalist art.
Can I customize the colors and style?
Yes! You can customize several aspects of your print: contour line color (choose from presets or enter any hex color), background color, contour density (how many elevation levels to show), line thickness, and the exact area to frame. Preview all changes in real-time before ordering.
Is designing a print free?
Yes, designing is completely free. You can search locations, adjust framing, customize colors, and preview your print as many times as you want. You only pay when you're ready to order. We want you to explore and find the perfect design.
Can I order prints as gifts?
Absolutely! Topographic prints make meaningful gifts for hikers, travelers, mountain lovers, or anyone with a connection to a specific place. Just enter the recipient's shipping address at checkout. We can include a gift note — add it in the order comments. Consider gifting the location of a first hike, wedding venue, hometown, or favorite vacation spot.
Print Quality & Sizing
What sizes and products are available?
We offer three product types in four sizes:
Framed Posters (most popular): 12×16" ($79), 16×20" ($99), 18×24" ($109), 24×36" ($179)
Unframed Posters: 12×16" ($29), 16×20" ($35), 18×24" ($39), 24×36" ($49)
Canvas Prints: 12×16" ($59), 16×20" ($69), 18×24" ($79), 24×36" ($119)
All products use museum-quality giclée printing. Frames are solid wood, ready to hang. Canvases are gallery-wrapped on 1.5" wooden bars.
What is the print quality like?
We use giclée printing on 189gsm museum-quality archival paper. Giclée is the industry standard for fine art reproduction, using pigment-based inks that resist fading for 100+ years. The paper has a subtle matte finish that reduces glare while preserving detail. Prints ship flat in rigid mailers to prevent damage.
Do you offer framing?
Yes! Our most popular option is the framed poster — prints arrive in a solid wood frame, ready to hang. We also offer unframed posters (if you prefer to frame it yourself) and gallery-wrapped canvas prints stretched on wooden bars. All options ship protected and ready for display.
Shipping & Returns
How long does shipping take?
Prints are made to order and typically ship within 3-5 business days. Delivery time depends on your location: US orders arrive in 5-7 days, international orders in 10-15 days. All prints ship flat (not rolled) to ensure quality. We partner with Printful for professional production and worldwide fulfillment.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Prints are produced and fulfilled through Printful's global network, with production locations worldwide. International shipping typically takes 10-15 business days.
What's your return policy?
Every print is custom-made for you, so we can't accept change-of-mind returns. However, we stand behind the quality: if your print arrives damaged, has a printing defect, or doesn't match the preview shown on our site, contact us within 30 days and we'll replace it for free or issue a full refund. Refunds go back to your original payment method within 5-10 business days.
Can I cancel my order?
If your order hasn't entered production yet, we can cancel it and issue a full refund. Contact us as soon as possible after ordering. Once production begins (usually within a few hours), cancellation isn't possible since the print is already being made.